Articulatable surgical instrument with independent pivotable linkage distal of an articulation lock

ABSTRACT

A surgical tool assembly that includes a elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly by a distal support link that is pivotally coupled to the surgical end effector to define an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. The distal support link is pivotally and axially movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly to facilitate selective articulation of the surgical end effector relative to the elongate shaft assembly about the articulation axis between a first unarticulated position and articulation position located on one side of the shaft axis.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interchangeable surgical toolassembly embodiment that is operably coupled to a handle assemblyembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assemblyand interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 with portions thereofomitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of proximal portions of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of distal portions of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 illustrates use of an interchangeable surgical tool assemblyembodiment to perform a medical procedure known as a lower anteriorresection within a human pelvis area;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is another top view of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblydepicted in FIG. 8 with portions thereof shown in cross-section;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a distal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a portion of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of a shaft assembly portion ofanother interchangeable surgical tool embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional end view of a shaft assembly portion ofanother interchangeable surgical tool embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top cross-sectional view of a portion of an interchangeablesurgical tool embodiment in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 15A is a top view of portions of another surgical end effector andelongate shaft assembly arrangement with the surgical end effector in anunarticulated position (solid lines) and an articulated position(phantom lines);

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of an interchangeablesurgical tool end effector employing an anvil cap to cover a portion ofa firing member parking area within an end effector thereof;

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of a portion of the surgical endeffector of FIG. 16 with the anvil cap omitted for clarity;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG.16 with the anvil thereof in an open configuration;

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector ofFIG. 18 during initiation of an anvil closure process;

FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical endeffector of FIGS. 18 and 19 with the anvil thereof in a fully closedposition;

FIG. 20A is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical endeffector of FIG. 20 after a firing member thereof has been advanceddistally out of a firing member parking area;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a distal closure member embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a portion of an interchangeablesurgical tool assembly employing the distal closure member of FIG. 21with an anvil of a surgical end effector portion thereof in a fullyclosed position;

FIG. 23 is another side elevational view of the portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22, with the distalclosure member in an initial opening position;

FIG. 24 is another side elevational view of the portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22, with the distalclosure member in another opening position;

FIG. 25 is another side elevational view of the portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 22, with the anvilthereof in a fully opened position;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another distal closure memberembodiment;

FIG. 27 is a side view of another anvil embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional side view of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly employing the distal closuremember of FIG. 26 and the anvil embodiment of FIG. 27 with the anvil ina fully closed position;

FIG. 29 is another partial cross-sectional side view of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 28 with the anvil thereofin a fully open position;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another distal closure memberembodiment;

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional side view of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly employing the distal closuremember embodiment of FIG. 30 and with an anvil thereof in a fully openposition;

FIG. 32 is a partial cross-sectional side view of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly with an anvil thereof in a fullyclosed position;

FIG. 33 is another partial cross-sectional side view of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 32 with the anvil thereofin a fully open position;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of a portion of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly with an anvil thereof in a fullyclosed position;

FIG. 35 is another side elevational view of the portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 34 with the anvil thereofin a fully open position;

FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of a portion of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly with an anvil thereof in a fullyclosed position;

FIG. 37 is another side elevational view of the portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 36 with the anvil thereofin a partially open position;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of a portion of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly with an anvil thereof in a fullyclosed position;

FIG. 39 is another side elevational view of the portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 38 with the anvil thereofin a partially open position;

FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view of a camming or sled assemblyembodiment;

FIG. 41 a top view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodimentwith an unfired surgical staple cartridge installed therein and with acamming assembly thereof in a starting position and in unlockingengagement with a firing member lock member;

FIG. 42 is a top view of a portion of the surgical end effectorembodiment of FIG. 41 that has an improper unfired surgical staplecartridge installed therein with a camming assembly thereof in astarting position and with a firing member lock in locking engagementwith the firing member;

FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view of portions of an anvil, afiring member, a sled assembly and firing member lock embodiment ofanother interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of a distal portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 43 with the firing memberthereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 45 is another partial cross-sectional view of the distal portion ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 44 with an unfiredsurgical staple cartridge properly seated within a surgical end effectorthereof and with an anvil thereof in an open position and the firingmember in a starting position;

FIG. 46 is another partial cross-sectional view of the distal portion ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45 with the anvil ina fully closed position and the firing member in an initial firingposition;

FIG. 47 is another partial cross-sectional view of the distal portion ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45 with the anvil ina fully closed position and the firing member further distally advancedwithin the surgical end effector;

FIG. 48 is another partial cross-sectional view of the distal portion ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 47 with the anvil ina fully closed position and the firing member being retracted back to astarting position just prior to contacting the firing member lock;

FIG. 49 is another partial cross-sectional view of the distal portion ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 48 with the anvil ina fully closed position and the firing member being retracted back to astarting position after initially contacting the firing member lock;

FIG. 50 is another partial cross-sectional view of the distal portion ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 49 with the anvil ina fully closed position and the firing member being retracted back tothe starting position;

FIG. 51 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment with an unfiredsurgical staple cartridge loaded in a surgical end effector thereof anda firing member in a starting position or configuration;

FIG. 52 is another side cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 51 after the firing member hasstarted to be distally advanced through the surgical end effector;

FIG. 53 is another side cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIGS. 51 and 52 during theretraction of the firing member back to the starting position;

FIG. 54 is another side cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIGS. 51-53 after the firing memberhas been further retracted toward the starting position;

FIG. 55 is another side cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIGS. 51-54 after the firing memberhas been fully retracted back to the starting position;

FIG. 56 is an exploded perspective view of portions of a firing member,a sled assembly, a firing member and firing member lock member ofanother interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 57 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 56 with ananvil of a surgical end effector thereof in an open position prior toinstallation of an unfired surgical staple cartridge within the surgicalend effector and with the firing member in a starting position;

FIG. 58 is another side cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 57 with anunfired surgical staple cartridge installed within the surgical endeffector and the anvil in a closed position;

FIG. 59 is a top cross-sectional view of the portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 58 with thefiring member lock in a disengaged configuration relative to the firingmember;

FIG. 60 is another side cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIGS. 58 and 59after the firing member has been initially distally advanced;

FIG. 61 is another side cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIGS. 58-60 duringretraction back to a starting position;

FIG. 62 is a top view of the portion of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly embodiment of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is another side cross-sectional view of a portion of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIGS. 58-62 afterthe firing member has been fully retracted back to a starting positionand is in locking engagement with the firing member lock;

FIG. 64 is an exploded perspective view of portions of an articulationjoint and articulation lock embodiment of another interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a lock spring assembly embodiment ofthe articulation lock embodiment of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a top view of an end effector mounting assembly embodiment ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 64;

FIG. 67 is a top view of portions of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly embodiment of FIG. 64 with a surgical end effector thereof inan unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 68 is another top view of the portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 67 during an initialapplication of an articulation motion to the articulation joint;

FIG. 69 is a bottom view of the portions of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly embodiment of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is another bottom view of the portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 69 with the surgical endeffector in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 71 is an exploded perspective view of portions of an articulationjoint and articulation lock embodiment of another interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 72 is a top view of an end effector mounting assembly embodiment ofthe interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a top view of portions of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly embodiment of FIG. 71 with a surgical end effector thereof inan unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 74 is a partial cross-sectional view of portions of thearticulation lock embodiment of FIG. 73 taken along line 74-74 in FIG.73;

FIG. 75 is another top view of the portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 73 during an initialapplication of an articulation motion to the articulation joint;

FIG. 76 is another top view of the portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 75 with the surgical endeffector thereof in an articulated configuration and the articulationlock in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 77 is another top view of the portions of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment of FIG. 75 with the surgical endeffector thereof in an articulated configuration and the articulationlock in a locked configuration;

FIG. 78 is an exploded perspective view of portions of an articulationjoint and articulation lock embodiment of another interchangeablesurgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 79 is a top view of portions of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly embodiment of FIG. 78 with a surgical end effector thereof inan unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 80 is a side cross-sectional view of the portions of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 79 taken along line 80-80in FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is another side cross-sectional view of the portions of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 80 during an initialapplication of articulation motion to the articulation lock thereof;

FIG. 82 is another side cross-sectional view of the portions of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 81 with the articulationjoint locked in position by the articulation lock;

FIG. 83 is an exploded perspective view of portions of a spine assembly,an articulation joint and articulation lock embodiment of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 84 is a top view of a portion of a distal end of the spine assemblyand the articulation lock arrangement of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly embodiment of FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is an exploded perspective view of portions of a spine assembly,an articulation joint and articulation lock embodiment of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 86 is another exploded perspective view of portions of the spineassembly and articulation joint and articulation lock of theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 85;

FIG. 87 is a top cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly of FIG. 85 with a surgical end effector thereof in anunarticulated configuration;

FIG. 88 is another top cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 87 with the surgical end effector thereofin an articulated configuration and the articulation lock in an unlockedconfiguration;

FIG. 89 is another top cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 88 with the surgical end effector thereofin an articulated configuration and the articulation lock in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 90 is an exploded perspective view of portions of a spine assembly,an articulation joint and articulation lock embodiment of anotherinterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment;

FIG. 91 is a top cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgicaltool assembly of FIG. 90 with a surgical end effector thereof in anunarticulated configuration;

FIG. 92 is another top cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 91 with the surgical end effector thereofin an articulated configuration and the articulation lock in an unlockedconfiguration;

FIG. 93 is a partial cross-sectional view of the articulation lock ofFIG. 92 taken along line 93-93 in FIG. 92;

FIG. 94 is another top cross-sectional view of the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly of FIG. 91 with the surgical end effector thereofin an articulated configuration and the articulation lock in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 95 is a partial cross-sectional view of the articulation lock ofFIG. 94 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94;

FIG. 96 is a perspective view of portions of an articulation strokemultiplier embodiment;

FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional end view of a shaft assembly of aninterchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment with the articulationstroke multiplier embodiment of FIG. 96 therein;

FIG. 98A is a top view of portions of the articulation stroke multiplierembodiment of FIG. 96 in an unactuated configuration;

FIG. 98B is another top view of the portions of the articulation strokemultiplier of FIG. 98A after application of an axial articulation motionthereto in a first axial direction;

FIG. 98C is another top view of the portions of the articulation strokemultiplier of FIG. 98A after application of another axial articulationmotion thereto in a second axial direction;

FIG. 99A is a top cross-sectional view of portions of a shaft assemblyof an interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment with anotherarticulation stroke multiplier embodiment in an unactuatedconfiguration;

FIG. 99B is another top cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly andarticulation stroke multiplier of FIG. 99A after an axial articulationmotion has been applied thereto in a first axial direction;

FIG. 99C is a top cross-sectional view of portions of a shaft assemblyof another interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment withanother articulation stroke multiplier embodiment in an unactuatedconfiguration;

FIG. 99D is another top cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly andarticulation stroke multiplier of FIG. 99C after an axial articulationmotion has been applied thereto in a first axial direction;

FIG. 100 is an exploded perspective view of a channel and a staplecartridge;

FIG. 101 is an elevation view of the channel and the staple cartridge ofFIG. 100;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the channel and thestaple cartridge of FIG. 100 taken across the plane indicated in FIG.101;

FIG. 103 is an exploded perspective view of a channel and a staplecartridge;

FIG. 104 is an elevation view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 103;

FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the channel and thestaple cartridge of FIG. 103 taken across the plane indicated in FIG.104;

FIG. 106 is an exploded elevation view of a channel and a staplecartridge;

FIG. 107 is an elevation view of the channel and the staple cartridge ofFIG. 106 depicting the staple cartridge completely installed in thechannel;

FIG. 108 is an exploded elevation view of a channel and a staplecartridge;

FIG. 109 is an elevation view of the channel and the staple cartridge ofFIG. 108 depicting the staple cartridge completely installed in thechannel;

FIG. 110 is an elevation view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 106 andthe channel of FIG. 108 depicting the staple cartridge incompletelyinstalled in the channel;

FIG. 111 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple cartridge;

FIG. 112 is a perspective view of a portion of a staple cartridge;

FIG. 113 is a perspective view of an end effector; and

FIGS. 114 and 115 depict tables of identifications for different typesof end effectors.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT    ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL END    EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT    ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL    ASSEMBLIES; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL END    EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOL    ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE    SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND    FIRING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOL    ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING    DISTANCE;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF    STAPLING TISSUE;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS    WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END    EFFECTORS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL END    EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM    ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR    RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMING    POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED    THEREIN;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRING    MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE    LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING    ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING    ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING    ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING    ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMING    POCKET ARRANGEMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL    ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF    DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH    THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLY    ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE    MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH    SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMING    POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET    SIDEWALLS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE    AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER    PIN ANGLE;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMING    POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND    INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING A    KNIFE SLOT WIDTH;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE MEMBER    ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER    PIN CONFIGURATIONS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLE    CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLE    CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15,386,206, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY    FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING    FEATURES; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION    PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING    INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR    ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND,    ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY    COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A    MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY    COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY    COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY    FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL    SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION    STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY    COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY    COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE    FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED    LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A    SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN    THE END EFFECTOR;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY    MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO    JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE    COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND    ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL END    EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING    AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION    LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED    POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY    ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END    EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION;    and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION    FEATURES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING    SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED    STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER;-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER;-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR    OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR    SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE    DISPLAY FIELD;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL    CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE    MEMBER;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled    INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR    THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING    DIFFERENT HEIGHTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL    MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR    STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respectiveentireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR    COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR    COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;    and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE    RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN    ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. PatentApplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respectiveentireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR    COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR    COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR    COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;    and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR    COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL END    EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL END    EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING    BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH    CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL    ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL    ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0256184;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL    THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE    TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE    TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0256154;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTI    SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE    COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0256071;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING    SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0256153;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT    EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND    VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2016/0256187;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVE    FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0256186;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL    TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH    SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2016/0256155;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS    WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2016/0256163;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR    DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL    STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND    POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL    APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF    THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL    CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE    BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING    SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR    MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED    BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2016/0249908;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER    FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication    No. 2016/0249909;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication    No. 2016/0249945;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR    STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0249927; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL    APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND    MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE    ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0174978;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING    ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0174976;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A    DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM    SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0174975;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING    BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication    No. 2016/0174973;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL    COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2014/0246471;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWERED    ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL    SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled    ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now    U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE    PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK    SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.    9,326,767;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR    STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S.    Pat. No. 9,468,438;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL    METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat.    No. 9,398,911; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL    ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.    Pat. No. 9,332,987;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled    INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR    ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2014/0263538;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION    MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2014/0263554;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM    LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION    CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat.    No. 9,351,726;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN    CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat.    No. 9,351,727; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND    SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplication that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL    SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2014/0263539.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER    MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATION    VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2015/0272581;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION    OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER    MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP    CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR    POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK    ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2015/0272571;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE    SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication    No. 2015/0272557;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND    METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER    MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE    PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2015/0280424;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication    No. 2015/0272583; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY AND    SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2016/0066912;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH    INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING    DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE    SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR′S OUTPUT OR    INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2016/0066909;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF    HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART    CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR    CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2016/0066916; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY    OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED    FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2014/0305989;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF    THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2014/0305988;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR    SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2014/0309666;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION    ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2014/0305991;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTOR    DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING    ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED    SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2014/0309665;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM    DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTOR    DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitled    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE    MOTOR;-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled    LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled    LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitled    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR    CONTROL; and-   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitled    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE    MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgicalstapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured topermit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to theshaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axisextending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments areenvisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body isconfigured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slotconfigured to receive the firing member. The firing member furthercomprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam whichengages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, thefirst cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap,between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firingmember also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue capturedintermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for theknife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the rampedsurfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 depicts one form of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 that is operably coupled to a motor driven handle assembly 500. Theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also be effectivelyemployed with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled orautomated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool assembliesdisclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems,instruments, components and methods such as, but not limited to, thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The handleassembly 500, as well as the tool drive assembly of a robotic system mayalso be referred to herein as “control systems” or “control units”.

FIG. 2 illustrates attachment of the interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500. The handle assembly 500 maycomprise a handle housing 502 that includes a pistol grip portion 504that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. The handleassembly 500 may further include a frame 506 that operably supports theplurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 can operablysupport a “first” or closure drive system, generally designated as 510,which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 that is operably attached orcoupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closuredrive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closuretrigger 512 that is pivotally supported by the frame 506. Sucharrangement enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by aclinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 504of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 may be easilypivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated”position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuatedposition. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 furtherincludes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to theclosure trigger 512 or otherwise operably interfaces therewith. As willbe discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, theclosure linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on thesurgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510,the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 towards the pistol gripportion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/226,142, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSORSYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, when theclinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to attain a “full”closure stroke, the closure drive system 510 is configured to lock theclosure trigger 512 into the fully depressed or fully actuated position.When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to permitit to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simplyactivates a closure release button assembly 518 which enables theclosure trigger 512 to return to the unactuated position. The closurerelease button assembly 518 may also be configured to interact withvarious sensors that communicate with a microcontroller 520 in thehandle assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger512. Further details concerning the configuration and operation of theclosure release button assembly 518 may be found in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 mayoperably support another drive system referred to herein as a firingdrive system 530 that is configured to apply axial or firing motions tocorresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblythat is attached thereto. As was described in detail in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530may employ an electric motor 505 that is located in the pistol gripportion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor 505may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of,approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor505 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronousmotor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor505 may be powered by a power source 522 that in one form may comprise aremovable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of LithiumIon (“LI”) or other suitable batteries therein. A number of batteriesmay be connected in series may be used as the power source 522 for thehandle assembly 500. In addition, the power source 522 may bereplaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor 505 is configured to axially drive a longitudinallymovable drive member 540 in distal and proximal directions dependingupon the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor 505 isdriven in one rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member540 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor505 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the longitudinallymovable drive member 540 will be axially driven in a proximal direction“PD”. The handle assembly 500 can include a switch 513 which can beconfigured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 505 bythe power source 522 or otherwise control the motor 505. The handleassembly 500 can also include a sensor or sensors (not shown) that isconfigured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or thedirection in which the drive member 540 is being moved. Actuation of themotor 505 can be controlled by a firing trigger 532 that is pivotallysupported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may bepivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. Thefiring trigger 532 may be biased into the unactuated position by aspring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when theclinician releases the firing trigger 532, it may be pivoted orotherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasingarrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 can bepositioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 512 as was discussed above.As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575,the handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safetybutton (not shown) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the firingtrigger 532. When the closure trigger 512 is in the unactuated position,the safety button is contained in the handle assembly 500 where theclinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety positionpreventing actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing positionwherein the firing trigger 532 may be fired. As the clinician depressesthe closure trigger 512, the safety button and the firing trigger 532may pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 mayhave a rack of teeth (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagementwith a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaceswith the motor 505. Further details regarding those features may befound in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. At leastone form also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly that isconfigured to enable the clinician to manually retract thelongitudinally movable drive member 540 should the motor 505 becomedisabled. The bailout assembly may include a lever or bailout handleassembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 under areleasable door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted intoratcheting engagement with the teeth in the drive member 540. Thus, theclinician can manually retract the drive member 540 by using the bailouthandle assembly to ratchet the drive member 540 in the proximaldirection “PD”. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitledPOWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLYRETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2010/0089970, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein discloses bailout arrangements and other components,arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the toolassembly 1000.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 includes a shaft mounting portion 1300 that is operably attached toan elongate shaft assembly 1400. A surgical end effector 1100 thatcomprises an elongate channel 1102 that is configured to operablysupport a surgical staple cartridge 1150 therein is operably attached tothe elongate shaft assembly 1400. See FIGS. 3 and 6. The surgical endeffector 1100 may further include an anvil 1130 that is pivotallysupported relative to the elongate channel 1102. The elongate channel1102 with a staple cartridge 1150 installed therein and the anvil 1130may also be referred to as the end effector “jaws”. The interchangeablesurgical tool assembly 1000 may further include an articulation joint1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (FIGS. 3 and 6) which can beconfigured to releasably hold the surgical end effector 1100 in adesired articulated position about an articulation axis B-B which istransverse to a shaft axis SA. Many details regarding the constructionand operation of the articulation lock 1210 may be found in in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. Additional details concerning thearticulation lock 1210 may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shaft mounting portion 1300includes a proximal housing or nozzle 1301 comprised of nozzle portions1302, 1304 as well as an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configuredto be coupled to the assembled nozzle portions 1302, 1304 by snaps,lugs, screws, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the interchangeablesurgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a closure assembly 1406which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil 1130 relative tothe elongate channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100 as will bediscussed in further detail below. In addition, the illustratedinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly1500 which operably supports the articulation lock 1210. The spineassembly 1500 is configured to, one, slidably support a firing memberassembly 1600 therein and, two, slidably support the closure assembly1406 which extends around the spine assembly 1500 or is otherwisemovably supported thereby.

In the illustrated arrangement, the surgical end effector 1100 isoperably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly 1400 by an articulationjoint 1200 that facilitates selective articulation of the surgical endeffector 1100 about an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to theshaft axis SA. See FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the spineassembly 1500 slidably supports a proximal articulation driver 1700 thatoperably interfaces with an articulation lock 1210. The articulationlock 1210 is supported on a distal frame segment 1560 that alsocomprises a portion of the spine assembly 1500. As can be seen in FIG.6, the distal frame segment 1560 comprises a distal spine extension 1562that is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel 1102 by an endeffector mounting assembly 1230. In one arrangement, for example, adistal end 1563 of the distal frame segment 1560 has a spine attachmentpin 1564 formed thereon. The spine attachment pin 1564 is adapted to bepivotally received within a spine attachment hole 1234 that is formed inthe end effector mounting assembly 1230. See FIG. 6.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the proximalarticulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 that is configured tooperably engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210includes an articulation frame 1212 that is pivotally coupled or pinnedto a distal articulation link 1710 that is also configured to bepivotally attached to the end effector mounting assembly 1230. Inparticular, as can be seen in FIG. 6, a distal end 1712 of the distalarticulation link 1710 includes an articulation pin 1714 that isconfigured to be pivotally received within corresponding articulationholes 1236 in the end effector mounting assembly 1230. The distalarticulation link 1710 is slidably supported by the distal spineextension 1562. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is attached to aproximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin connector1235 that extends through a transverse mounting hole 1231 in the endeffector mounting assembly 1230 to be received within channel or jawmounting holes 1106 that are provided in the proximal end 1103 of theelongate channel 1102. The spine attachment pin 1564 defines anarticulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. Sucharrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of thesurgical end effector 1100 about the articulation axis B-B relative tothe spine assembly 1500. As indicated above, further details regardingthe operation of the articulation lock 1210 and the articulation frame1212 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

In various circumstances, the spine assembly 1500 further comprises anintermediate spine segment 1510 that is attached to the distal framesegment 1560 of the articulation lock 1210. The spine assembly 1500further comprises a proximal spine mounting segment 1530 that includes aproximal end portion 1532 that has opposing notches 1535 (only one canbe seen in FIG. 5) for receiving a corresponding mounting lug 1308(shown in FIG. 4) that protrude inwardly from each of the nozzleportions 1302, 1304. Such arrangement facilitates rotation of theproximal spine assembly 1500 about the shaft axis SA by rotating thenozzle 1301 about the shaft axis SA. The interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 includes a chassis 1800 that rotatably supports the shaftassembly 1400. The proximal end portion 1532 of the proximal spinemounting segment is rotatably supported in a central shaft hole 1801that is formed in the chassis 1800. See FIG. 5. In one arrangement, forexample, the proximal end portion 1532 has threads 1533 thereon forattachment to a spine bearing (not shown) or other wise supported in aspine bearing that is mounted within the chassis 1800. Such anarrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 1500to the chassis 1800 such that the spine assembly 1500 may be selectivelyrotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 1800.

The closure assembly 1406 comprises an elongate proximal closure member1410 and a distal closure member 1430. In the illustrated arrangement,the proximal closure member 1410 comprises a hollow tubular member thatis slidably supported on the spine assembly 1500. Hence, the proximalclosure member 1410 may also be referred to herein as the “proximalclosure tube”. Similarly, the distal closure member 1430 may also bereferred to as the “distal closure tube”. Referring primarily to FIG. 5,the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a closureshuttle 1420 that is slidably supported within the chassis 1800 suchthat it may be axially moved relative thereto. In one form, the closureshuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks 1421 thatare configured for attachment to the transverse attachment pin 516 (FIG.2) that is attached to the closure linkage assembly 514 of the handleassembly 500. Thus, when the hooks 1421 are hooked over the transverseattachment pin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 will result inthe axial movement of the closure shuttle 1420 and ultimately, theclosure assembly 1406 on the spine assembly 1500. A closure spring (notshown) may also be journaled on the closure assembly 1406 and serves tobias the closure assembly 1406 in the proximal direction “PD” which canserve to pivot the closure trigger 512 into the unactuated position whenthe surgical tool assembly 1000 is operably coupled to the handleassembly 500. In use, the closure assembly 1406 is translated distally(direction DD) to close the jaws 1130, 1102 for example, in response tothe actuation of the closure trigger 512.

The closure linkage assembly 514 may also be referred to herein as a“closure actuator” and the closure linkage assembly 514 and the closureshuttle 1420 may be collectively referred to herein as a “closureactuator assembly”. A proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure member1410 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1420 for relative rotationthereto. For example, a U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into anannular slot 1414 in the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closuremember 1410 and is retained within vertical slots 1422 in the closureshuttle 1420. See FIG. 5. Such arrangement serves to attach the proximalclosure member 1410 to the closure shuttle 1420 for axial traveltherewith while enabling the closure assembly 1406 to rotate relative tothe closure shuttle 1420 about the shaft axis SA.

As indicated above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200. As can be seen inFIG. 6, upper and lower tangs 1415, 1416 protrude distally from a distalend of the proximal closure member 1410 to be movably coupled to thedistal closure member 1430. As can also be seen in FIG. 6, the distalclosure member 1430 includes upper and lower tangs 1434, 1436 thatprotrude proximally from a proximal end thereof. The proximal closuremember 1410 and the distal closure member 1430 are coupled together byan upper double pivot link 1220. The upper double pivot link 1220includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in theupper tangs 1415, 1434 of the proximal closure member 1410 and distalclosure member 1430, respectively. The proximal closure member 1410 andthe distal closure member 1430 are also coupled together by a lowerdouble pivot link 1222. The lower double pivot link 1222 includesproximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the lowertangs 1416 and 1436 of the proximal closure member 1410 and distalclosure member 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in furtherdetail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closureassembly 1406 will result in the closing and opening of the anvil 1130.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 depicted in FIGS. 1-6includes a surgical end effector 1100 that is capable of articulatingabout the articulation axis B-B in one direction. As noted above, thearticulation axis B-B is defined by the spine attachment pin 1564 thatis rotatably received within the spine attachment hole 1234 that isformed in the end effector mounting assembly 1230. In the illustratedarrangement, the spine attachment hole 1234 may be transversely axiallyaligned with the shaft axis SA. In other arrangements, the spineattachment hole 1234 may be slightly laterally offset from the shaftaxis. In the illustrated example, the articulation axis B-B istransverse to and intersects the shaft axis SA. The illustrated exampleonly employs a proximal articulation driver 1700 that interfaces with asingle distal articulation link 1710 (through the articulation lock1210) that operably interfaces with the end effector mounting assembly1230 to apply articulation motions thereto. For example, distallyadvancing the distal articulation link 1710 will cause the surgical endeffector 1100 to articulate in a single “first” articulation direction.In one arrangement, for example, the surgical end effector 1100 may beselectively articulatable from a first unarticulated position whereinthe surgical end effector 1100 is axially aligned with the shaftassembly 1400 (for insertion through a trocar or other access opening)through an articulation angle of approximately 110° (after the surgicalend effector 1100 has exited the trocar into the patient). Otherarticulation angle arrangements may be achieved.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, for example, the interchangeable surgical toolassembly 1000 may be well-suited for use in connection with a medicalprocedure known as a lower anterior resection “LAR”. Such procedurecommonly involves removal of a diseased portion of the colon. Forexample, this procedure may comprise removal of the blood vessels andlymph nodes associated with this portion of the bowel. The surgeon thenre-joins the remaining colon and the remaining part of the rectum (whichmay be referred to as an anastomosis). One challenge commonly facing thesurgeon during this procedure is associated with getting the endeffector into the pelvic area far enough to complete the procedure. FIG.7 illustrates a desired position of the surgical end effector 1100within the pelvis 400 of a patient during the resection of the patient'scolon 410. Lines BTL in FIG. 7 may illustrate travel limits commonlycreated by the patient's pelvic bone structure and associated tissue. Inthe illustrated arrangement, the surgical tool assembly 1000 employs an“asymmetric” proximal closure member 1410 that is configured to provideadditional clearance and maneuverability for the surgical tool assembly1000 within that region.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, in one example, the proximal closure member1410 of the shaft assembly 1400 includes an elongate proximal endportion 1417 and an elongate distal end portion 1411 that extends fromthe proximal end portion 1417. As can be seen in FIGS. 7-9, tofacilitate more clearance between the shaft assembly 1400 and the pelvicstructure for example, an asymmetric cut out or notched area 1418 isprovided in the distal end portion 1411 of the proximal closure member1410. In at least one example, the notched area 1418 extends for theentire distal end portion 1411. In such arrangement, an axial length ofthe distal end portion is less than an axial length of the proximal endportion 1417.

Referring now to FIG. 11, in the illustrated example, the proximal endportion 1417 has an uninterrupted or “continuous” “proximal” outerperimeter or perimetrical shape 1417P. At least a portion of the distalend portion 1411 has a discontinuous or interrupted “distal” outerperimeter or outer perimetrical shape 1411P. As can also be seen in FIG.9, for example, the distal spine extension 1562 has a similar notchedarea 1568 therein. Also, the intermediate spine segment 1510 may alsohave an asymmetric notch 1516 therein that matches the notched areas1418 and 1568. See FIGS. 10 and 11. Such arrangement may permit theclinician to position the shaft assembly 1400 and the surgical endeffector 1100 into the position shown in FIG. 7 within the pelvicregion. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the articulationangle AA may be approximately 110°. Thus, such arrangement may affordthe clinician the ability to position the surgical end effector 1100deeper within the pelvic region as compared with other tool and endeffector arrangements. In the illustrated arrangement, the notched areas1418, 1516, 1568 are located on the opposite side of the shaft axis SAfrom which the end effector 1100 articulates (e.g., direction ofarticulation DA). In other arrangements, however, it is conceivable thatthe notched areas 1418, 1516, 1568 are provided on the same side of theshaft axis SA from which the surgical end effector articulates.

In one example, to maintain the proximal closure member 1410 in axialalignment on the spine assembly 1500 as it moves axially thereon and toretard or prevent buckling of the shaft components during articulationand closing of the end effector jaws 1130, 1102, opposed closurealignment members 1413 are employed. In one arrangement, for example, apair of diametrically-opposed alignment pins 1413 are attached to andextend inwardly from the proximal closure member 1410 to be slidablyreceived within corresponding alignment slots 1514, 1566 in theintermediate spine segment 1510 and the distal spine extension 1562,respectively. See FIGS. 10 and 11. As can also be seen in FIG. 11, thedistal spine extension 1562 may have a recessed area 1567 for receivinga downwardly protruding lug portion 1518 that is formed on the undersideof the intermediate spine segment 1510. Such arrangement may serve tosomewhat laterally interlock the intermediate spine segment 1510 and thedistal spine extension 1562 together to thereby resist any lateraldeflection from occurring between those components. FIG. 12 illustratesan alternative proximal closure member 1410′ that is identical to theproximal closure member 1410 described above, except that the proximalclosure member 1410′ includes a connector bridge 1419 that extendsbetween the upper and lower tangs 1415 and 1416 which may serve to limitany tendency of the upper and lower tangs 1415, 1416 from spreadingapart during use.

FIG. 13 illustrates another arrangement that is configured to prevent orlimit the opening of a proximal closure member 1410″ in the directionsOD when a lateral load LL is applied laterally to the shaft assembly1400 in the notched areas. The proximal closure member 1410″ may beidentical to proximal closure member 1410 except for the differencesnoted herein. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the proximal closure member1410″ additionally includes a pair of inwardly protruding, somewhatdiametrically opposed flexure tabs 1425. One flexure tab 1425 isslidably received within a corresponding axially extending slot 1519 andthe other flexure tab 1425 is slidably received within a correspondingaxial slot 1569 in the distal spine extension 1562. Such arrangementserves to slidably interlock the proximal closure member 1410″ on thespine assembly 1500′ to thereby cause the proximal closure member 1410″to resist opening (in the OD directions) when a lateral load LL isapplied thereto. FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative arrangement thatemploys flexure tabs 1425′ are somewhat L-shaped and are slidablyreceived within corresponding L-shaped slots 1514′ and 1569′.

As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000further includes a firing member assembly 1600 that is supported foraxial travel within the spine assembly 1500. In the illustratedembodiment, the firing member assembly 1600 includes a proximal firingshaft segment 1602 and a distal cutting portion or distal firing bar1620. The firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to herein asa “second shaft” and/or a “second shaft assembly”. As can be seen inFIG. 5, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 includes a proximalattachment lug 1604 that protrudes proximally from a proximal endthereof that is configured to be operably received within the firingshaft attachment cradle 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member540 that is supported in the handle assembly 500. See FIG. 2.

Referring again to FIG. 5, a distal end 1606 of the proximal firingshaft segment 1602 includes a longitudinal slot 1608 which is configuredto receive a tab (not shown) on the proximal end of the distal firingbar 1620. The longitudinal slot 1608 and the proximal end of the distalfiring bar 1620 can be sized and configured to permit relative movementtherebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1622. The slip joint 1622 canpermit the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 to move during thearticulation actuation without moving, or at least substantially moving,the distal firing bar 1620. Once the end effector 1100 has been suitablyoriented, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 can be advanceddistally until a proximal end wall of the slot 1608 comes into contactwith the tab on the distal firing bar 1620 to advance the distal firingbar 1620 and fire the surgical staple cartridge 1150 that is positionedwithin the elongate channel 1102. As can be further seen in FIG. 5, theintermediate spine segment 1510 includes a channel 1512 for slidablysupporting the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 therein. To facilitateassembly of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the spineassembly 1500, a top spine cover 1527 may be engaged with theintermediate spine segment 1510 to enclose those portions of the firingmember assembly 1600 therein.

FIG. 15 illustrates the surgical end effector 1100 in an articulatedposition. As can be seen in FIG. 15, as well as in FIG. 6, a middlesupport member 1614 is employed to provide lateral support to the distalfiring bar 1620 as it flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgicalend effector 1100. In one example, a distal pivot pin 1615 protrudesfrom a distal end of the middle support member 1614 and is receivedwithin a spine attachment hole 1234 in the end effector mountingassembly 1230. A proximal pivot pin 1616 is received within an elongateslot 1569 in the distal spine extension 1562. In addition, the middlesupport member 1614 includes a passageway 1618 therein that provideslateral support to the distal firing bar 1620 as the surgical endeffector 1100 is articulated. Further details concerning the middlesupport member and alternative knife bar support arrangements aredisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 which has beenherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 15A illustrates an alternative articulation joint 1200′ thatfacilitates articulation of the surgical end effector 1100 about anarticulation axis B-B that is transverse to a shaft axis SA that isdefined by the elongate shaft assembly 1400′ to which it is operablyattached. In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1100 isselectively articulatable to one side of the shaft axis SA. Sucharticulation direction is represented by arrow LD. Similar to theembodiment described above, an end effector mounting assembly 1230 ispivotally attached to a proximal end 1103 of an elongate channel 1102 ofthe surgical end effector 1100. The end effector mounting assembly 1230is pivotally attached to a distal spine extension 1562 of a distal framesegment 1560 of the elongate shaft assembly 1400′. Similar to the abovedescribed embodiment, the distal frame segment 1560 may operably supportan articulation lock 1210 (FIG. 6) that is actuated by a proximalarticulation driver 1700 (FIG. 6) that operably interfaces with a sourceof articulation and retraction motions as described in detail herein. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 15A, the end effector mounting assembly1230 is pivotally attached to the distal spine extension 1562 by adistal support link 1570. In one arrangement for example, the endeffector mounting assembly 1230 is pinned to a distal end 1572 of thedistal support link 1570 by an articulation pin 1580 that defines thearticulation axis B-B. A proximal end 1574 of the distal support link1570 is attached to a distal end 1563 of the distal spine extension 1562for axial and pivotal travel relative thereto.

As can be further seen in FIG. 15A, the proximal end 1574 of the distalsupport link 1570 includes an axial slot 1576 that is sized to slidablyand pivotally receive therein a proximal attachment pin 1578 that isattached to the distal spine extension 1562. Such arrangement serves tocouple the surgical end effector 1100 to the distal frame segment 1560for selective pivotal travel (articulation) about the articulation axisB-B as well as some limited axial travel relative thereto. In theillustrated arrangement, articulation motions are applied to thesurgical end effector 1100 by a distal articulation link 1710 that ispivotally coupled to or otherwise operably interfaces with thearticulation lock 1210. Axial movement of the distal articulation link1710 in the proximal direction PD (which is constrained to move axiallyalong one side of the shaft axis SA), will cause the surgical endeffector 1100 to articulate in the left direction LD from anunarticulated position wherein the surgical end effector 1100 is axiallyaligned on the shaft axis SA to articulated positions on the left sideof the shaft axis SA (represented in phantom lines in FIG. 15A). Axialmovement of the distal articulation link 1710 in the distal direction DDwill move the surgical end effector 1100 from an articulated positiontowards the unactuated position (arrow RD). In one arrangement, a stopmember or stop formation 1232 is formed or otherwise attached to the endeffector mounting assembly 1230 to contact the distal end 1563 of thedistal spine extension when the surgical end effector 1100 has attainedthe unactuated position to prevent any further travel thereof in theright direction RD. Such articulation joint arrangement may provideimproved articulation travel and closure stability.

Further to the above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000includes a clutch assembly 1640 which can be configured to selectivelyand releasably couple the proximal articulation driver 1700 to thefiring member assembly 1600. In one form, the clutch assembly 1640includes a rotary lock assembly that, in at least one embodiment,comprises a lock collar, or lock sleeve 1650 that is positioned aroundthe firing member assembly 1600. The lock sleeve 1650 is configured tobe rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 1650couples the proximal articulation driver 1700 to the firing memberassembly 1600 and a disengaged position in which the proximalarticulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing memberassembly 1600. When lock sleeve 1650 is in its engaged position, distalmovement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the proximalarticulation driver 1700 distally and, correspondingly, proximalmovement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the proximalarticulation driver 1700 proximally. When lock sleeve 1650 is in itsdisengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is nottransmitted to the proximal articulation driver 1700 and, as a result,the firing member assembly 1600 can move independently of the proximalarticulation driver 1700. In various circumstances, the proximalarticulation driver 1700 can be held in position by the articulationlock 1210 when the proximal articulation driver 1700 is not being movedin the proximal or distal directions by the firing member assembly 1600.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lock sleeve 1650 comprises acylindrical, or an at least substantially cylindrical, body thatincludes a longitudinal aperture 1652 that is configured to receive theproximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600.The lock sleeve 1650 also has two diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facinglock protrusions 1654 and an outwardly protruding second lock member1656 formed thereon. The lock protrusions 1654 can be configured to beselectively engaged with the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of thefiring member assembly 1600. More particularly, when the lock sleeve1650 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions 1654 arepositioned within a drive notch 1603 that is provided in the proximalfiring shaft segment 1602 such that a distal pushing force and/or aproximal pulling force can be transmitted from the firing memberassembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1650. When the lock sleeve 1650 is inits engaged position, the second lock member 1656 is received within adrive notch 1704 that is defined in the proximal articulation driver1700 such that the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pullingforce applied to the lock sleeve 1650 can be transmitted to thearticulation driver 1700. In effect, the firing member assembly 1600,the lock sleeve 1650, and the proximal articulation driver 1700 willmove together when the lock sleeve 1650 is in its engaged position. Onthe other hand, when the lock sleeve 1650 is in its disengaged position,the lock protrusions 1654 may not be positioned within the drive notch1603 of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing memberassembly 1600 and, as a result, a distal pushing force and/or a proximalpulling force may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly1600 to the lock sleeve 1650. Correspondingly, the distal pushing forceand/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the proximalarticulation driver 1700. In such circumstances, the firing memberassembly 1600 can be slid proximally and/or distally relative to thelock sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700.

The clutch assembly 1640 further includes a switch drum 1630 thatinterfaces with the lock sleeve 1650. Further details concerning theoperation of the switch drum 1630 and lock sleeve 1650 may be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/019,196, which have each been herein incorporated byreference in their respective entireties. The switch drum 1630 canfurther comprise at least partially circumferentially extending openings1632 defined therein which can receive circumferential mounts 1305 thatextend from the nozzle portions 1302, 1304 and permit relative rotation,but not translation, between the switch drum 1630 and the proximalnozzle 1301. See FIG. 6. Rotation of the nozzle 1301 to a point wherethe mounts reach the end of their respective openings 1632 in the switchdrum 1630 will result in rotation of the switch drum 1630 about theshaft axis SA. Rotation of the switch drum 1630 will ultimately resultin the movement of the lock sleeve 1650 between its engaged anddisengaged positions. In alternative embodiments, the nozzle 1301 may beemployed to operably engage and disengage the articulation drive systemwith the firing drive system. As indicated above, clutch assembly 1640may operate in the various manners described in further detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/019,196.

In the illustrated arrangement, the switch drum 1630 includes anL-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the switchdrum 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives a transverse switch pin 1639of a shifter plate 1638. In one example, the shifter plate 1638 isreceived within a longitudinal slot (not shown) that is provided in thelock sleeve 1650 to facilitate axial movement of the lock sleeve 1650when engaged with the proximal articulation driver 1700. Further detailsregarding the operation of the shifter plate and shift drum arrangementsmay be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/868,718, filed Sep.28, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE,POWERED FIRING AND POWERED ARTICULATION, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the switch drum 1630 includes amagnet support arm 1665 that supports a magnet or other sensorarrangement that is configured to operably interface with a Hall effectsensor 1662 that interfaces with a slip ring assembly 1660 that isoperably mounted to the chassis 1800. The slip ring assembly 1660 isconfigured to conduct electrical power to and/or from theinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 and/or communicate signalsto and/or from the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000components back to the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500(FIG. 2) or robotic system controller, for example. Further detailsconcerning the slip ring assembly 1660 and associated connectors may befound in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,806 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/019,196 which have each been herein incorporatedby reference in their respective entireties as well as in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUETHICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0263552, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. The magnet or magnets supported on the magnet support arm 1665cooperate with the Hall effect sensor 1662 or other sensor arrangementto detect the rotary position of the switch drum 1630 and convey thatinformation to the microcontroller 520 which may serve to provide anindication or indications to the user in the various manners discussedin the aforementioned incorporated references. Other sensor arrangementsmay also be employed.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 5, the chassis 1800 includes at leastone, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1802 that areformed thereon and are adapted to be received within correspondingdovetail slots 507 that are formed within the distal end portion of theframe 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be further seen in FIG. 2,a shaft attachment lug 1607 is formed on the proximal end of theproximal firing shaft segment 1602. As will be discussed in furtherdetail below, when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 iscoupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment lug 1607 isreceived in a firing shaft attachment cradle 542 that is formed in thedistal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. See FIG. 2.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a latch system1810 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be seen in FIG.5, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1810 includes alock member or lock yoke 1812 that is movably coupled to the chassis1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1812 hasa U-shape and includes two downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814each have a pivot lug (not shown) formed thereon that is adapted to bereceived in corresponding holes 1816 that are formed in the chassis1800. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke1812 to the chassis 1800. The lock yoke 1812 may include two proximallyprotruding lock lugs 1818 that are configured for releasable engagementwith corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of theframe 506 of the handle assembly 500. See FIG. 2. In various forms, thelock yoke 1812 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring orbiasing member 1819. Actuation of the lock yoke 1812 may be accomplishedby a latch button 1820 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuatorassembly 1822 that is mounted to the chassis 1800. The latch button 1820may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1812.The lock yoke 1812 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing thelatch button 1820 in the distal direction which also causes the lockyoke 1812 to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal end ofthe frame 506. When the lock yoke 1812 is in “retaining engagement” withthe distal end of the frame 506, the lock lugs 1818 are retaininglyseated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in thedistal end of the frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke 1812 includes at least oneand preferably two lock hooks 1824 that are adapted to contactcorresponding lock lug portions 1426 that are formed on the closureshuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in an unactuatedposition, the lock yoke 1812 may be pivoted in a distal direction tounlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handleassembly 500. When in that position, the lock hooks 1824 do not contactthe lock lug portions 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, whenthe closure shuttle 1420 is moved to an actuated position, the lock yoke1812 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Statedanother way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke1812 to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 1812 wasinadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise causeit to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1824 on the lock yoke 1812 willcontact the lock lugs 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420 and preventmovement of the lock yoke 1812 to an unlocked position. See FIG. 5.Further details concerning the latching system may be found in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

Attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to thehandle assembly 500 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. Tocommence the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis1800 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 above oradjacent to the distal end of the frame 506 such that the taperedattachment portions 1802 formed on the chassis 1800 are aligned with thedovetail slots 507 in the frame 506. The clinician may then move thesurgical tool assembly 1000 along an installation axis IA that isperpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the tapered attachmentportions 1802 in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetailreceiving slots 507 in the distal end of the frame 506. In doing so, theshaft attachment lug 1606 on the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 willalso be seated in the cradle 542 in the longitudinally movable drivemember 540 and the portions of the transverse attachment pin 516 on theclosure linkage assembly 514 will be seated in the corresponding hooks1421 in the closure shuttle 1420. As used herein, the term “operableengagement” in the context of two components means that the twocomponents are sufficiently engaged with each other so that uponapplication of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry outtheir intended action, function and/or procedure.

Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 15, the distal firing bar 1620 maycomprise a laminated beam structure that includes at least two beamlayers. Such beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steelbands that are interconnected by, for example, welding or pinningtogether at their proximal ends and/or at other locations along theirlength. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are notconnected together to allow the laminates or bands to splay relative toeach other when the end effector is articulated. Such arrangementpermits the distal firing bar 1620 to be sufficiently flexible toaccommodate articulation of the end effector. Various other suitablelaminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in FIG. 4, a middlesupport member 1614 is employed to provide lateral support to the distalfiring bar 1620 as it flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgicalend effector 1100. Further details concerning the middle support memberand alternative knife bar support arrangements are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245.

After the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 has been operablycoupled to the handle assembly 500 (FIG. 1), the clinician may operatethe surgical tool assembly 1000 as follows. As discussed above, when theclosure drive system 510 is in its unactuated position (i.e., theclosure trigger 512 has not been actuated), a torsion spring 1642 hasbiased the clutch assembly 1640 and, more particularly, the switch pin1639 and the lock sleeve 1650 into the articulation position. When inthat mode, the magnet or magnets in the magnet support arm 1665 maycooperate with the Hall effect sensor 1662 or other sensor arrangementsas to indicate to the microcontroller 520 that the surgical toolassembly 1000 is in the articulation mode. When the clinician actuatesthe firing trigger 532, the motor drives the proximal firing shaftsegment 1602 distally. As mentioned above, however, the slip joint 1622facilitates movement of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 withoutmoving, or at least substantially moving, the distal firing bar 1620.Because the lock sleeve 1650 is in operable engagement with the proximalfiring shaft segment 1602 and the proximal articulation driver 1700 isin engagement with the lock sleeve 1650, actuation of the proximalfiring shaft segment 1602 results in the distal movement of the proximalarticulation driver 1700. Distal movement of the proximal articulationdriver 1700 causes the surgical end effector 1100 to articulate aroundthe articulation axis B-B. During this time, the clinician can alsopartially close the jaws of the surgical end effector 1100 by partiallydepressing the closure trigger. Such arrangement facilitates axialmovement of the proximal closure member 1410 without automaticallyshifting the clutch assembly 1640 to the firing mode. This feature mayenable the clinician to use the jaws to grasp and manipulate tissueprior to clamping onto the target tissue.

Once the clinician has articulated the surgical end effector 1100 into adesired position and the jaws have been positioned in a desiredorientation relative to the target tissue, the clinician releases thefiring trigger 532 which will discontinue the motorized movement of theproximal firing shaft segment 1602 as well as the proximal articulationdriver 1700. The articulation lock 1210 will lock the proximalarticulation driver 1700 in that position to prevent furtherarticulation of the surgical end effector 1100. The clinician may clampthe target tissue between the jaws by depressing the closure trigger 512to the fully depressed position. Such action moves the proximal closuremember 1410 distally. Such distal movement of the proximal closuremember 1410 causes the shifter plate 1638 to rotate the lock sleeve 1650to rotate to a disengaged position with the proximal firing shaftsegment 1602. When in that position, the lock protrusions 1654 havedisengaged from the drive notch 1603 in the proximal firing shaftsegment 1602. Thus, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 can moveaxially without moving the lock sleeve 1650 and the proximalarticulation driver 1700. As the proximal closure member 1410 is moveddistally to the fully actuated position (by depressing the closuretrigger 512), the proximal and distal closure members 1410 and 1430 movedistally to close the jaws 1130, 1102. When in this position, theclosure drive system 510 in the handle assembly 500 may be locked andthe clinician can release the closure trigger 512. When the clutchassembly 1640 has been moved to this firing mode, the magnet or othersensors in the magnet support arm 1665 or other portion is incommunication with the Hall effect sensor 1662 to indicate the positionof the clutch assembly 1640 to the microcontroller 520.

The microcontroller 520 may provide the clinician with an indication ofthe position of the distal firing bar 1620 as it is advanced distallythrough the target tissue that is clamped between the end effector jaws.Once the distal firing bar 1620 and, more specifically, the firingmember or knife member attached thereto has been advanced to a fullyfired position, the microcontroller 520, by means of sensorarrangements, detects the position of a portion of the firing memberassembly 1600 and may then reverse the motor to retract the distalfiring bar 1620 to its starting position. This action may be automaticor the clinician may have to depress the firing trigger 532 during theretraction process. Once the distal firing bar 1620 has been fullyretracted to its starting position, the microcontroller 520 may providethe clinician with an indication that the distal firing bar 1620 hasbeen fully retracted and the closure trigger 512 may be unlocked toenable the closure assembly 1406 to be returned to the unactuatedposition which thereby moves the jaws to the open position.

In one example, the elongate channel 1102 is roughly C-shaped with twoupstanding sidewall portions 1104. The anvil 1130 includes an anvil bodyportion 1132 and an anvil mounting portion 1134. The anvil mountingportion 1134 comprises a pair of anvil mounting walls 1136 that areseparated by a slot 1138 (FIG. 6). As discussed above, the end effectormounting assembly 1230 is pivotally attached to the proximal end 1103 ofthe elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin connector 1235 that extendsthrough a transverse mounting hole 1231 in the end effector mountingassembly 1230 to be received within channel mounting holes 1106 providedin the sidewalls 1104 of the elongate channel 1102. Each of the anvilmounting walls 1136 has an anvil trunnion 1137 protruding therefrom thatare each adapted to be rotatably received within a corresponding anvilmounting hole 1107 in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel1102. As can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, each of the channel sidewalls1104 may have a vertical slot or relieved area 1108 that corresponds toeach anvil mounting hole 1107 that enables the anvil trunnions 1137 tobe vertically dropped into each slot 1108 for ease of assembly. Theanvil trunnions define a pivot axis PA about which the anvil 1130 isselectively pivotable relative to the elongate channel 1102. In variousexamples, the pivot axis PA is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG.16.

The elongate channel 1102 is configured to removably support a surgicalstaple cartridge 1150 therein. The surgical staple cartridge 1150includes a cartridge body 1151 that defines a deck surface 1152 thatfaces a staple-forming undersurface 1133 of the anvil body portion 1132.The cartridge body 1151 has an elongate slot 1154 extending therethroughfor permitting the passage of a firing member 1670 that is attached to adistal end of the distal firing bar 1620. The cartridge body 1151 has aplurality of anvil pockets 1156 that are serially arranged in lines onboth sides of the elongate slot 1154. See FIG. 6. Housed within thesepockets 1156 are staple drivers that operably support one or moresurgical staples or fasteners thereon. When the target tissue is clampedbetween the staple forming undersurface 1133 of the anvil body portion1132 and the staple cartridge deck surface 1152, the target tissue mustbe positioned so that the tissue that is severed is stapled on each sideof the cut line. To avoid the target tissue from being positionedproximal of the proximal most staples or fasteners, the anvil 1130 mayinclude two downwardly extending tissue stops 1140. See FIG. 18. Thetissue stops 1140 when extending downward past the cartridge decksurface 1152 serve to block the target tissue from getting too farproximal between the anvil 1130 and the surgical staple cartridge 1150.

Still referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, in the illustrated example the anvilmounting walls 1136 are somewhat elongated and extend proximally. In oneexample, one or both of the anvil mounting walls 1136 include an openinglimiter 1139 (FIG. 18) formed thereon that is configured to contact theend effector mounting assembly 1230 to prevent the anvil 1130 fromopening too far. See FIG. 18. Such anvil opening limiter 1139 mayprevent the anvil 1130 from being too loose and sloppy on the elongatechannel 1102. In addition, the opening limiter 1139 prevents the anvil1130 from opening to a position wherein the tissue stops 1140 extendabove the cartridge deck surface 1152. If that were to occur, tissuecould be permitted to extend too far proximally between the anvil 1130and the surgical staple cartridge 1150 and potentially be severed butnot stapled. Such arrangement may also serve to prevent the anvil frombeing perceived as being too loose and sloppy relative to the elongatechannel.

Referring again to FIG. 17, the anvil mounting portion 1134 defines afiring member “parking area” 1141 which accommodates the firing member1670 therein when the firing member 1670 is in a starting (unfired)position. In the illustrated arrangement, at least a portion of theparking area 1141 is proximal to the pivot axis. See, for example, FIG.19. Such arrangement may reduce the negative moment arm that is createdfrom the tissue that is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the surgicalstaple cartridge 1150 that is supported in the elongate channel 1102. Inone example, an anvil cap or cover 1142 is attached to the anvilmounting portion 1134 to provide a pre-closure surface 1143 for contactby a distal camming ramp or surface 1440 formed on a distal end 1431 ofthe distal closure member 1430. See FIG. 20. In one arrangement, theanvil cap 1142 includes a pair of downwardly extending legs 1144 thatare configured to snappingly engage attachment lugs 1145 that are formedon the anvil mounting walls 1136. As can be seen in FIG. 16, forexample, the anvil cap 1142 includes a distally extending transitionportion 1146 that extends between the anvil mounting walls 1136 andcovers the firing member 1670 when it is in the firing member parkingarea 1141. The transition portion 1146 extends between the anvilmounting walls 1136 and forms a transition from the pre-closure surface1143 and an anvil cam surface 1147 formed on the anvil mounting portion1134. In addition, the anvil cap 1142 may minimize pinch points that mayotherwise be present between the anvil mounting portion 1134 and thedistal end 1431 of the distal closure member 1430 when the anvil 1130 isin its fully opened position.

Operation of the closure process employed in this example will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 18A, 19 and 20A. In the illustratedarrangement, the anvil body portion 1132 defines an upper anvil surface1135. As can be seen in FIG. 18A, the cam area or cam surface 1147 thatis formed on the anvil mounting portion 1134 gradually transitions tothe upper anvil surface 1135. More specifically, in the illustratedarrangement, the cam surface 1147 comprises two surface portions: aproximal cam surface portion 1147P and a distal cam surface portion1147D. In at least one example, the proximal cam surface portion 1147Pextends from a proximal end of the anvil body portion 1132 to the distalcam surface portion 1147D. The distal cam surface portion 1147D extendsfrom the proximal cam surface portion 1147P to the upper anvil surface1135. In one arrangement, the proximal cam surface portion 1147P mayhave a slightly steeper angle than the distal cam surface portion 1147D.In other arrangements, the cam surface on the anvil mounting portion maycomprise one continuous cam surface oriented relative to the outersurface at a single cam angle.

As can be seen in FIG. 19, the distal closure member 1430 has a distalend surface 1431 formed on a distal end thereof. A distal cammingsurface 1440 extends at an obtuse cam angle CA relative to the distalend surface 1431. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closuremember 1430 comprises a distal closure tube that has an outer surface1433 and an inner surface 1435 that defines a cross-sectional thicknessCT therebetween. The distal end surface 1431 comprises a portion of thecross-sectional thickness CT. The distal camming surface 1440 extendsfrom the distal end surface 1431 to the inner surface 1435 of the distalclosure member 1430. An initial cam area 1437 comprises the line orpoint of intersection between the distal end surface 1431 and the distalcamming surface 1440.

FIG. 18A illustrates the distal closure member 1430 in a startingposition with the anvil 1130 in an open position. As can be seen in FIG.18A, the distal camming surface 1440 is in contact with the pre-closuresurface 1143 on the anvil cap 1142. To begin the closure process, thedistal closure member 1430 is axially advanced in the distal directionDD. When the initial cam area 1437 and/or the distal end surface 1431initially contacts the cam surface 1147 (proximal cam surface portion1147P) an initial closure motion or initial closure force ICF is appliedthereto. See FIG. 19. This initial closure force ICF is normal orperpendicular to the proximal cam surface portion 1147P. Continued axialadvancement of the distal closure member 1430 brings the distal cammingsurface 1440 into camming engagement with the cam surface 1147 (distalcam surface 1147D) and essentially applies a closure force CF that isessentially parallel to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 20A.

In the above-described example, the anvil mounting walls 1136 may have alength that is somewhat longer than the anvil mounting configurationsemployed by other anvil arrangements. Such elongated anvil mountingwalls 1136 serve to enable the pivot axis to be located relatively closeto the articulation axis that is defined by the articulation joint 1200.This arrangement facilitates establishment of a longer initial momentarm MAI (FIG. 19) between the pivot axis PA and the initial closureforce ICF. Such arrangement also facilitates the location of the pivotaxis PA in a position that is slightly closer to the bottom of theelongate channel 1102 when compared to other anvil/channel mountingarrangements. Thus, in the illustrated arrangement, the distance betweenthe pivot axis PA and the axis along which the closure force CF isapplied is somewhat greater than other arrangements (larger moment arm).This arrangement may also lead to the establishment of a greater closureforce CF when compared to other anvil mounting arrangements. Thus, theanvil mounting arrangement of the illustrated example may offer a largermechanical closure advantage than is commonly attainable with otheranvil mounting arrangements. Another advantage that may be gained by theforegoing example, is that locating at least a portion of the firingmember parking area 1141 proximal to the pivot axis PA may help toreduce the “negative” moment arm that is applied to the anvil by thetissue that is clamped between the anvil and the cartridge.

Turning now to FIGS. 21-25, the distal closure member 1430 is formedwith at least one and preferably two, positive jaw opening hooks or tabs1442. Tabs 1442 may also be referred to herein as “primary positive jawopening tabs”. In one example, the positive jaw opening tabs areintegrally formed into the distal closure member 1430. For example, thepositive jaw opening tabs 1442 are cut out of the walls of the tubularstructure comprising the distal closure member 1430. Each of thepositive jaw opening tabs 1442 include an upwardly protruding hookportion 1444 that has a rounded camming end 1445 formed thereon that isconfigured for camming engagement with a corresponding anvil openingramp 1148 extending downwardly from the anvil body portion 1132. FIG. 22illustrates the position of the anvil 1130 and distal closure member1430 when the anvil 1130 is in a closed orientation. FIG. 23 illustratesthe beginning of the opening process wherein the distal closure member1430 has started to be retracted in the proximal direction PD. As can beseen in FIG. 23, the camming end 1445 has initially contacted the anvilopening ramp 1148. FIG. 24 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a partiallyopened position and FIG. 25 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a fully openedposition. As can be seen in FIG. 25, the camming end 1445 is on thebottom end 1149 of the anvil opening ramp to retain the anvil 1130 inthe fully opened position. Such use of features on the distal closuremember to effectuate the opening of the anvil from a fully closedposition to a fully open position may be referred to herein as “positivejaw opening” features. Other suitable positive jaw opening arrangementsare disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitledSURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, which hasbeen incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIGS. 26-29 illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1430′ thatemploys secondary positive jaw opening tabs 1448 that are configured tocooperate with secondary jaw opening features 1160 that are formed onthe anvil mounting walls 1136. See FIGS. 16, 17 and 27. As can be seenin FIG. 26, the secondary positive jaw opening tabs 1448 may be cut intothe walls of the distal closure tube or member 1430′ and bent inward soas to be able to contact the secondary jaw opening features 1160 on theanvil 1130 as the distal closure tube or member 1430′ is moved in theproximal direction PD. FIG. 29 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a fullyopened position. As the distal closure member 1430′ is moved proximally,the primary positive jaw opening tabs 1442 cam up the correspondinganvil opening ramp 1148 on the anvil 1130 and begin to pivot the anvilopen. Thereafter, during the closing process, the secondary positive jawopening tabs 1448 in the distal closure member 1430′ contact thesecondary jaw opening features 1160 that are formed on the anvilmounting walls 1136 to further assist with moving the anvil 1130 to thefully opened position. As can be seen in FIG. 26 the secondary positivejaw opening tabs 1448 generally follow the contour of the distal closuretube 1430′.

FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative distal closure member 1430′ whereinthe secondary positive jaw opening tabs 1448′ are integrally formed intothe wall of the distal closure tube 1430′, but they extend proximallyinward to contact the secondary jaw opening features 1160 on the anvil1130 as the distal closure tube or member 1430′ is moved in the proximaldirection PD. FIG. 31 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a fully openedposition. Such primary and secondary anvil opening or jaw openingfeatures may therefore serve to sequentially apply opening motions tothe anvil as the distal closure member moves from a fully actuatedposition which corresponds to the fully closed position of the anvil toan unactuated position which corresponds to the fully open position ofthe anvil. In such arrangement, as the distal closure tube 1430′ ismoved in the proximal direction, the primary positive jaw opening tabs1442 cam the anvil into a “mostly open” position. The secondary positivejaw opening tabs 1448 serve to assure that the anvil is moved into itsfully open position when the distal closure member is moved back to theunactuated position.

FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate an alternative secondary positive jaw openingarrangement wherein the anvil mounting walls 1136 include a proximalanvil extension 1162 that cooperates with a corresponding secondaryanvil biasing spring 1164 to bias the anvil into an open position. Asthe distal closure member 1430 is moved proximally, the primary positivejaw opening tabs 1442 cam up the corresponding anvil opening ramp 1148on the anvil 1130 and begin to pivot the anvil open. In addition, thesecondary anvil biasing spring 1164 applies a biasing force to theproximal anvil extension 1162 to further assist with moving the anvil1130 to the fully opened position. In prior jaw opening arrangements,there is commonly a “lag time” between actuation of the jaw openingsystem (e.g., firing trigger) and the active opening of the jaws. In theabove-described example, the secondary anvil biasing spring 1164 islocated proximal to the pivot axis PA about which the anvil pivotsrelative to the elongate channel. Such arrangement may serve to increasethe biasing (opening) motion to the anvil as well as to minimize theoccurrence of any “dead zone” that might otherwise occur between initialretraction of the closure member and a point wherein the closure memberactually starts to apply a sufficient amount of opening motion to theanvil to cause the anvil to move to the open position.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1430″that employs a positive jaw biasing member 1450 on each of the positivejaw opening tabs 1442. The positive jaw biasing members 1450 may formleaf-type spring arrangements formed from metal or the like and serve toapply additional opening forces to the anvil opening ramps 1148 on theanvil 1130 as the distal closure member 1430″ is moved in the proximaldirection PD. FIG. 34 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a fully closedposition and FIG. 35 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a fully openedposition. FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate an alternative distal closuremember 1430″ that employs another form of positive jaw biasing member1452 on each of the positive jaw opening tabs 1442. The positive jawbiasing members 1452 may have a somewhat V-shape configuration and beformed from spring steel or the like. FIG. 36 illustrates the anvil 1130in a fully closed position and FIG. 37 illustrates the anvil 1130 in apartially opened position as the distal closure member 1430″ initiallymoves in the proximal direction. The positive jaw biasing members 1452serve to ensure that the anvil 1130 is raised against the distal closuremember 1430″ from the beginning of the opening process.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1430″wherein each of the positive jaw opening tabs 1442 have a compliantportion 1454 thereon that serves to ensure that the anvil 1130 is raisedagainst the distal closure member 1430″ from the beginning of theopening process. The compliant portion 1454 may comprise rubber orsimilar material formed onto the hook portions 1444 of the positive jawopening tabs 1442. In other arrangements, the portions 1454 may not beformed from compliant material, but instead may be formed from ahardened material to prevent wear on the positive jaw opening tabs 1442.FIG. 38 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a fully closed position and FIG.39 illustrates the anvil 1130 in a partially opened position. Suchcompliant arrangements and biasing member arrangements may serve to urgethe anvil open while the closure member cam features remain in cammingengagement with the cam ramps on the anvil to minimize any dead zone lagoccurring between actuation of the closure system (to open the anvil)and the actual opening of the anvil. Such configurations may also serveto establish solid camming surfaces that would enable the user tooverpower an anvil jam by operating the closure trigger.

Turning next to FIGS. 40-42, the firing member 1670 is configured tooperably interface with a sled or cam assembly 1120 that is operablysupported within the body 1151 of the surgical staple cartridge 1150.The cam assembly 1120 is slidably displaceable within the surgicalstaple cartridge body 1151 from a proximal starting position adjacentthe proximal end 1153 of the cartridge body 1151 to an ending positionadjacent a distal end 1155 of the cartridge body 1151. The cartridgebody 1151 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (notshown) that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposedslot 1154. The centrally disposed slot 1154 enables the firing member1670 to pass therethrough and cut the tissue that is clamped between theanvil 1130 and the surgical staple cartridge 1150. The drivers areassociated with corresponding pockets 1156 that open through the upperdeck surface 1152 of the cartridge body 1151. Each of the staple driverssupports one or more surgical staple or fastener (not shown) thereon.Thus, a plurality of surgical staples are arranged in lines or rowssituated on both sides of the slot 1154. The cam assembly 1120 includesa plurality of sloped or wedge-shaped cams 1122 wherein each cam 1122corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on aside of the slot 1154. When the firing member 1670 is fired or drivendistally, the firing member 1670 drives the cam assembly 1120 distallyas well. As the firing member 1670 moves distally through the surgicalstaple cartridge 1150, the tissue cutting feature 1676 cuts the tissuethat is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the surgical staple cartridge1150 and the cam assembly 1120 drives the drivers upwardly in thecartridge which drive the corresponding staples or fasteners intoforming contact with the anvil 1130.

In those embodiments wherein the firing member includes a tissue cuttingsurface or tissue cutting feature, it may be desirable for the elongateshaft assembly to be configured in such a way so as to prevent theinadvertent advancement of the firing member unless an unfired or newstaple cartridge is properly supported in the elongate channel 1102 ofthe surgical end effector 1100. If, for example, no staple cartridge ispresent at all and the firing member is distally advanced through theend effector, the tissue would be severed, but not stapled. Similarly,if a spent staple cartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge wherein at leastsome of the staples have already been fired therefrom) is present in theend effector and the firing member is advanced, the tissue may besevered, but may not be completely stapled, if at all. It will beappreciated that such occurrences could lead to undesirable catastrophicresults during the surgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649 entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, U.S. Pat.No. 7,044,352 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLELOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISMFOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/742,933, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUTARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE ISSPENT OR MISSING each disclose various firing member lockoutarrangements that may be employed. Each of those references is herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

An “unfired”, “unspent”, “fresh” or “new” surgical staple cartridge 1150means herein that the surgical staple cartridge 1150 has all of itsfasteners in their “ready-to-be-fired” positions when properly loadedwithin the end effector. When in that position, the cam assembly 1120 islocated in its starting position. The new surgical staple cartridge 1150is seated within the elongate channel 1102 and may be retained thereinby snap features on the cartridge body that are configured toretainingly engage corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1102.FIG. 41 illustrates portions of the surgical end effector 1100 with anew or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1150 seated therein. As can beseen in FIG. 41, the cam assembly 1120 is in the starting position. Toprevent the firing system from being activated and, more precisely, toprevent the firing member 1670 from being distally driven through theend effector 1100 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge hasbeen properly seated within the elongate channel 1102, the illustratedinterchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a firing memberlockout system generally designated as 1730 that, in certain aspects,may be similar to the lockout systems disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/385,958, filed on Dec. 21, 2016, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRINGSYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT, theentire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

In the illustrated example, the firing member lockout system 1730includes a movable lock member 1732 that is configured to retaininglyengage the firing member 1670 when an unspent or unfired surgical staplecartridge 1150 is not properly seated within the elongate channel 1102.The lock member 1732 comprises a pair of lateral spring arms 1733 thatare interconnected by a central mount tab feature 1734. As can be seenin FIG. 41, each of the lateral spring arms 1733 are laterally offsetfrom the shaft axis SA. When the lock member 1732 is installed, themount tab feature 1734 is configured to bias the lock member 1732upward. In addition, the lock member 1732 includes two lateral anvilspring arms 1736 that angle upward to engage the bottom surface of acorresponding anvil mounting wall 1136 on the anvil mounting portion1134 to bias the lock member 1732 downward when the anvil 1130 isclosed. The distal portion of each lateral spring arm 1733 terminates ina sled tab 1738 that are each further laterally offset from the shaftaxis SA. Each of the sled tabs 1738 are oriented to contact acorresponding unlocking feature or sled boss 1124 that is formed on theproximal end portion 1121 of the cam assembly 1120. As can be seen inFIG. 40, for example, in the illustrated arrangement, the cam assembly1120 has a central axis CA. When the sled assembly 1120 is in itsstarting position within an unfired staple cartridge that is properlysupported in the elongate channel, the central axis CA is laterallyaligned with the shaft axis SA. As can be seen in FIG. 40, the sledbosses are laterally offset from the central axis CA (and ultimately theshaft axis SA) so as to define a central area 1123 therebetween. Whenthe firing member is distally advanced through the end effector, thefiring member contacts the cam assembly 1120 in the central area todrive the cam assembly 1120 distally through the cartridge body. Inalternative arrangements, only one lateral spring arm 1733 may beemployed and therefore only one lateral sled tab 1738 is provided. Insuch arrangement, only one corresponding sled boss 1124 is formed on thecam assembly 1120. In still other arrangements, the lock member 1732 mayhave two lateral spring arms 1733, but only one of the lateral springarms may be provided with a sled tab 1738. In the illustratedarrangement, each of the proximally facing sled bosses 1124 includes aramp 1127 to facilitate easier interfacing between the sled bosses 1124and the lateral sled tabs 1738 during installation of the cartridge inthe elongate channel.

Each of the lateral spring arms 1733 includes a lock notch therein thatis configured to lockingly engage a corresponding central lock lug 1674that extends laterally from a firing member body portion 1672. FIG. 41illustrates the cam assembly 1120 in a starting position wherein thesled bosses 1124 have lifted the lock member 1732 out of lockingengagement with the lock lugs 1674. FIG. 42 illustrates an impropersurgical staple cartridge 1150W installed in relation to the lock member1732. As can be seen in FIG. 42, although the cartridge 1150W has a camassembly 1120W with proximally extending features 1124W that arelaterally offset from a central axis of the cam assembly, the features1124W are in not in unlocking engagement with the sled tabs 1738 of thelock member 1732. Thus, the cam assembly 1120W, even though in itsstarting position, will not move the lock member 1732 out of lockingengagement with the firing member 1670.

In alternative arrangements, the lock member may be configured tocomplete an electrical circuit when it is moved down into contact with acorresponding portion of a sled of a properly loaded unfired cartridge(when the sled is in its proper firing position). In such arrangement,for example, when the circuit is open, the motor is inoperable. In onearrangement, the lock member may also be able to mechanically engage thefiring member in the above-described manner to thereby facilitate bothmechanical and electrical lockout features/capabilities.

FIGS. 43-50 illustrate another firing member lockout system 1740 thatmay be employed in connection with the various end effector embodimentsdisclosed herein. In this embodiment, the firing member lockout system1740 includes a firing member lock 1742 that is supported for pivotaltravel between a locked position wherein the firing member lock 1742 isin locking engagement with the firing member 1670 and an unlockedposition wherein the firing member 1670 is free to be distally advancedthrough the surgical staple cartridge 1150. As can be seen in FIG. 43,the firing member lock 1742 includes a mounting portion 1743 that has apivot member 1744 protruding laterally from each side thereof. The pivotmembers 1744 are pivotally captured within pivot notches 1238 providedin the underside of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. See FIG.44. As can be seen in FIG. 44, the pivot members 1744 are rotatablycaptured in the pivot notches 1238 by the lower double pivot link 1222.As can also be seen in FIG. 43, a pair of hook arms 1746 extendsdistally from the mounting portion 1743. Each hook arm 1746 includes alock notch 1748 that is formed in the underside thereof that isconfigured to engage a corresponding one of the central lock lugs 1674on the firing member 1670. The firing member lockout system 1740 furtherincludes a pair of biasing members 1749 in the form of leaf springs orthe like that engage the corresponding anvil mounting walls 1136 on theanvil 1130 and the firing member lock 1742 to bias the firing memberlock 1742 downwardly.

FIG. 45 illustrates the surgical end effector 1100 with the anvil 1130and the elongate channel 1102 in their fully opened position whichoccurs during the loading of an unspent or unfired surgical staplecartridge 1150 therein. When in the open position, the firing member1670 cannot be distally advanced at least due to the misalignment ofportions of the firing member with corresponding passages within theanvil 1130. In addition, the instrument may employ various sensorarrangements that are configured to detect the position of the anviland/or configurations of other portions of the anvil closure system toprevent actuation of firing system components unless the anvil is in afully closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 45, when in the openposition, the hook arms 1746 are oriented in an unactuated positionwherein a portion of each of the hook arms 1746 is received on thecorresponding central lock lug 1674 of the firing member 1670 such thatthe lock notch 1748 is not in position to engage the correspondingcentral lock lug 1674.

FIG. 46 illustrates the end effector after an unfired surgical staplecartridge 1150 with a sled assembly or cam assembly 1120 has beenproperly installed in the elongate channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 hasbeen is closed. When in such configuration, the biasing member 1749applies a downward biasing motion onto the firing member lock 1742,which is now in contact with the sled bosses 1124 as well as the centrallock lug 1674 on the firing member 1670. As can be further seen in FIG.46, the sled bosses 1124 on the sled assembly 1120 serve to lift thefiring member lock 1742 upward so that the lock notches 148 therein areout of locking engagement with the central lock lugs 1674 on the firingmember 1670. Thus, the firing member 1670 is free to be distallyadvanced as illustrated in FIG. 47. As can be seen in FIG. 47, thefiring member lock 1742 is out of engagement with the firing member 1670as well as the sled assembly 1120 and the biasing members 1749 havepivoted the firing member lock 1742 downward.

FIGS. 48-50 illustrate the retraction of the firing member 1670. FIG. 48shows the position of the firing member 1670 and the firing member lock1742 at the beginning of the retraction process. FIG. 49 illustrates theposition of the firing member 1670 after the tapered proximal ends 1675of the central lock lugs 1674 have contacted the angled surfaces on thedistal ends of the hook arms 1746 and pivoted the hook arms 1746 upward(arrow U). FIG. 50 illustrates the firing member 1670 in its fullyretracted or starting position. As can be seen in FIG. 50, the hook arms1746 have pivoted downward into a “pre-locked” position. When the lockmember is in the pre-locked position, the firing member 1670 can bemoved distally until the central lock lugs 1674 thereon lockingly engagethe hook harms 1746 which serve to prevent further distal advancement ofthe firing member 1670. Thus, in the illustrated example, the firingmember lock 1742 will not be moved from an unlocked or un-activatedposition to an actuated position unless the anvil is first moved to aclosed position. In this context, the term “closed position” means thatthe anvil is moved to a position relative to the cartridge and firingmember that would otherwise enable the firing member to be distallyadvanced therein but for the firing member lockout system, for example.

FIGS. 51-55 illustrate another firing member lockout system 1750 thatmay be employed in connection with the various end effector embodimentsdisclosed herein. In this embodiment, the firing member lockout system1750 includes at least one firing member lock 1752 that is supported forvertical travel along a lock axis LA that is transverse to the shaftaxis SA. In one example, a firing member lock 1752 corresponds to eachof the anvil mounting walls 1136. In other examples, only one firingmember lock 1752 may be employed. Only one firing member lock 1752 isshown in the Figures for clarity purposes. In the illustrated example,each firing member lock 1752 has an L-shape and a latch portion 1754.The firing member lock 1752 is movably journaled on a correspondingmounting rod 1751 that is attached to the corresponding anvil mountingwall 1136 or other portion of the anvil. A corresponding lock spring orbiasing member 1756 biases the firing member lock 1752 downward (arrow Din FIGS. 52 and 53). FIG. 51 illustrates the surgical end effector 1100with the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 in their fully closedposition with an unspent or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1150properly supported therein. As can be seen in FIG. 51, a tapered end1755 of each of the latch portions 1754 has been engaged bycorresponding unlocking features 1125 on the sled assembly 1120. Theunlocking features 1125 serve to vertically displace the latch portions1754 so that the central lock lugs 1674 on the firing member 1670 maypass thereunder. Thus, the firing member 1670 is free to be distallyadvanced. FIG. 52 illustrates the position of the firing member 1670 atthe beginning of the firing process wherein it has been advanceddistally from its starting position. As can be seen in FIG. 52, theunlocking features 1125 are no longer in contact with the latch portions1754.

FIGS. 53-55 illustrate the retraction of the firing member 1670. FIG. 53shows the position of the firing member 1670 and the firing member lock1752 at the beginning of the retraction process. FIG. 54 illustrates theposition of the firing member 1670 after the tapered proximal ends 1675of the central lock lugs 1674 have contacted the angled surfaces ortapered ends 1755 of the latch portions 1754 to vertically displace thefiring member lock 1752 in the up direction (arrow U—FIGS. 54 and 55).FIG. 55 illustrates the firing member 1670 in its fully retracted orstarting position. As can be seen in FIG. 55, the firing member lock1752 is in a locked or bottom position wherein, if the firing member1670 were to be moved distally, the central lock lug 1674 on the firingmember 1670 would contact the latch portions 1754 of the correspondingfiring member lock 1752. When in that position, the firing member 1670cannot be distally advanced. Because the firing member locks 1752 areattached to the anvil, when the anvil is in an open position, the firingmember locks 1752 are not in a locked position wherein they can preventthe axial advancement of the firing member 1670. Thus, to actuate thefiring member lockout system 1750, the anvil 1130 must first be moved toa closed position. In this context, the term “closed position” meansthat the anvil is moved to a position relative to the cartridge andfiring member that would otherwise enable the firing member to bedistally advanced therein, but for the firing member lockout system, forexample.

FIGS. 56-63 illustrate another firing member lockout system 1760 thatincludes a movable lock member 1762 that is configured to retaininglyengage the firing member 1670 when a surgical staple cartridge 1150 isnot properly seated within the elongate channel 1102. The lock member1762 comprises at least one laterally moving locking portion 1764 thatis configured to retainingly engage a corresponding portion of thefiring member when the sled assembly 1120 is not present within thesurgical staple cartridge 1150 in its starting position. In theillustrated arrangement, the lock member 1762 employs two laterallymoving locking portions 1764 wherein each locking portion 1764 engages alaterally extending portion of the firing member 1670.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lock member 1762 comprises agenerally U-shaped spring member wherein each laterally movable leg orlocking portion 1764 extends from a central spring portion 1763 and isconfigured to move in lateral directions represented by arrows “L” inFIGS. 56, 59 and 62. It will be appreciated that the term “lateraldirections” refers to directions that are transverse to the shaft axisSA. The spring or lock member 1762 may be fabricated from high strengthspring steel or similar material. The central spring portion 1763 mayinclude a proximally extending spring tab 1767 that is retained within anotch 1240 in the end effector mounting assembly 1230. See FIG. 57. Inthe illustrated example, the spring tab 1767 serves to bias the lockmember 1762 into an unlocked configuration when the anvil 1130 is in anopen position. FIG. 57 illustrates the anvil 1130 in an open positionready for an unfired or new cartridge to be installed in the elongatechannel 1102. As can be seen in FIG. 57, the mounting tab 1767 biasesthe lock member 1762 in an upward direction (arrow U). When in thatunlocked position, the lock member 1762 is not in a position to preventthe distal advancement of the firing member 1762. The instrument may,however, employ other sensors and lockout arrangements to detect theposition of the anvil and otherwise prevent actuation of the firingsystem unless the anvil has been moved to a closed position.

FIG. 58 illustrates a portion of the surgical end effector 1100 with anunfired staple cartridge 1150 loaded or properly supported within theelongate channel 1102 and after the anvil 1130 has been moved to aclosed position. As the anvil 1130 is moved to the closed position, theanvil mounting walls 1136 contact corresponding laterally extendinganvil tabs 1766 that are formed on the lock member 1762. See FIG. 56.The anvil mounting walls 1136 thereby serve to move the lock member 1762from a disengaged position to a locked position wherein the lock member1762 is in locking engagement with the firing member 1670. In oneexample, each of the laterally movable legs or locking portions 1764 ofthe lock member 1762 includes a locking window 1768 therein. When thelock member 1762 is in a locked position, the central lock lug 1674 oneach lateral side of the firing member 1670 extends into thecorresponding locking window 1768 to retainingly prevent the firingmember 1670 from being distally axially advanced.

As can be seen in FIG. 56, the sled or cam assembly 1120 includes anunlocking feature 1125 that corresponds to each of the laterally movablelocking portions 1764. In the illustrated arrangement, an unlockingfeature 1125 is provided on, or extends proximally from, each of thecentral wedge-shaped cams 1122. In alternative arrangements, theunlocking feature 1125 may comprise a proximally protruding portion ofthe corresponding wedge-shaped cam 1122. As can be seen in FIG. 59, whenthe sled assembly 1120 is in its starting position, the unlockingfeatures 1125 engage and bias the corresponding locking portions 1764laterally in a direction that is transverse to the shaft axis SA (arrowsL). When the locking portions 1764 are in those unlocked orientations,the central lock lugs 1674 are not in retaining engagement with theircorresponding locking window 1768. When in those orientations, thefiring member 1670 may be distally axially advanced (fired). However,when an unfired surgical staple cartridge 1150 is not present in theelongate channel 1102 or the sled assembly 1120 has been moved out ofits starting position (which may mean that the cartridge is at leastpartially or completely fired), the locking portions 1764 springlaterally into retaining engagement with the firing member 1670. When inthat position as illustrated in FIG. 58, the central lock lugs 1674 arereceived within their respective locking windows 1768 and are preventedfrom moving distally by a lockout stop 1769. When in such position, thefiring member 1670 cannot be moved distally.

FIG. 61 illustrates the firing member 1670 as it is being retracted toits starting or unfired position. As the tapered or tapered proximalends 1675 of the central lock lugs 1674 contact the radiused distal ends1765 of the movable locking portions 1764, the movable locking portions1764 are biased laterally outward as shown in FIG. 62 until each of thecentral lock lugs 1674 once again are completely received within thelock window portions 1768 in the locking portions 1764 (FIG. 63). Whenthe firing member 1670 has been fully retracted to the starting positionshown in FIG. 63, the firing member 1670 is once again locked in placeby the lock member 1762 and prevented from being distally advanced untilanother fresh cartridge has been properly loaded into the elongatechannel 1102 as described above. When the anvil 1130 is opened, thespring tab 1767 once again biases the lock member 1762 back to theunlocked or pre-actuated position. Thus, to actuate the firing memberlockout system 1760, the user must first move the anvil to a closedposition. In this context, the term “closed position” means that theanvil is moved to a position relative to the cartridge and firing memberthat would otherwise enable the firing member to be distally advancedtherein, but for the firing member lockout system, for example.

FIGS. 64-70 illustrate an alternative articulation lock arrangement 1910for locking a surgical end effector 1100′ in an articulated positionabout an articulation axis B-B relative to a shaft axis SA. In theillustrated example, the surgical end effector 1100′ is pivotallycoupled to a spine assembly 1500′. The spine assembly 1500′ may beattached to the chassis 1800 (FIG. 4) in the above described manner. Adistal end portion 1540 of the spine assembly 1500′ is formed with adownwardly protruding articulation pin 1542 that defines thearticulation axis B-B. The articulation pin 1542 is configured to berotatably or pivotally received within a spine attachment hole 1254 thatis provided in a mounting base 1252 of an end effector mounting assembly1250. The end effector mounting assembly 1250 is attached to a proximalend 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin connector 1235(FIG. 6) that extends through a transverse mounting hole 1251 in themounting assembly 1250 to be received within the channel mounting holes1106 (FIG. 6) that are provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongatechannel 1102.

Referring to FIGS. 64 and 65, in one example, the articulation lockarrangement 1910 comprises a lock spring assembly 1920 that includes acentral spring body portion 1922 that defines a central pin hole 1924and which includes bottom release ring segments 1930 and 1932 and toprelease ring segments 1940 and 1942. The lock spring assembly 1920 issized to be rotatably received within the spine attachment hole 1254 inthe mounting base 1252. In one example, an upper release stop 1256 and alower release stop 1258 each protrude inwardly within the spineattachment hole 1254. The articulation lock arrangement 1910 furtherincludes a release pin assembly 1950 that includes an upper release arm1952 and a lower release arm 1954. The release pin assembly 1950 isattached to a distal articulation link 1960 that is pinned to a distalend of the distal articulation link 1710′ by a link pin 1962. The distalarticulation link 1710′ may interface with the articulation systemsdescribed herein for axially moving the distal articulation link 1710′in the distal and proximal directions depending upon the direction ofarticulation desired. A bottom portion (not shown) of the release pinassembly 1950 is configured to be pivotally and slidably supportedwithin a lower arcuate release pin slot 1260 that is formed in the endeffector mounting assembly 1250. A second upper release arm slot 1270 isalso formed in the end effector mounting assembly and is configured tomovably accommodate the upper and lower release arms 1952 and 1954. Ascan be seen in FIG. 67, an upper balance formation 1272 protrudes intothe second upper release arm slot 1270 and is configured to operablyinterface with the upper release arm 1952. Likewise, a lower balanceformation 1274 protrudes into the second upper release arm slot 1270 andis configured to operably interface with the lower release arm 1954.

In the illustrated example, the articulation pin 1542 is rotatablyreceived within the central pin hole 1924 in the lock spring assembly1920. The lock spring assembly 1920 is received within the spineattachment hole 1254 in the end effector mounting assembly 1250 suchthat the upper release stop 1256 is received within an upper lock space1941 that is formed between the top release ring segments 1940 and 1942and the lower release stop 1258 is located within a lower lock space1931 formed between the bottom release ring segments 1930 and 1932. FIG.67 illustrates the surgical end effector 1100 in an unarticulatedposition. As can be seen in FIG. 67, the upper release stop 1256 is inabutting engagement with the top release ring segment 1940. The lowerrelease stop 1258 may also be in abutting engagement with the bottomrelease ring segment 1932. Such configuration retains the lock springassembly 1920 in frictional engagement with the articulation pin 1542 toretain the surgical end effector 1100 in the unarticulated position.

FIG. 68 is a top view of the articulation lock arrangement 1910 uponinitiation of articulation of the surgical end effector to the right(arrow RD) about the articulation axis. As can be seen in FIG. 68, theright articulation process is initiated by axially advancing the distalarticulation link 1710′ in the distal direction DD. Distal advancementof the distal articulation link 1710′ causes the distal articulationlink 1960 to move the release pin assembly 1950 distally such that theupper release arm 1952 is brought into abutting engagement with theupper balance formation 1272 on the end effector mounting assembly 1250.Such contact between the upper balance formation 1272 and the upperrelease arm 1952 causes the upper release arm 1952 to contact the toprelease ring segment 1942 and apply the right articulation force RAFthereto. Such movement causes the top release ring segment 1942 to movecounterclockwise CCW to thereby cause the lock spring assembly 1920 toopen or expand to disengage from frictional engagement with thearticulation pin 1542. FIG. 69 is a bottom view of the articulation lockarrangement 1910 as illustrated in FIG. 68. As can be seen in FIG. 69,the lower release stop 1258 is in abutting engagement with the bottomrelease ring segment 1930 which prevents the bottom release ring segment1930 from moving. As a result, the lock spring assembly 1920 expands torelease the articulation pin 1542. Further distal advancement of thedistal articulation link 1710′ causes the release pin assembly 1950 toapply the articulation motion to the surgical end effector mountingassembly 1250 in the right direction RD while also moving the lockspring assembly 1920 out of locking engagement with the articulation pin1542. See FIG. 70. To articulate the surgical end effector 1100 in theleft direction, the distal articulation link 1710′ is moved in theproximal direction which causes the release pin assembly to expand thelock spring assembly 1920 and move the surgical end effector mountingassembly 1250 in the left direction in an opposite, but similar manner.Thus, as may be appreciated from the forgoing description, the lockingspring assembly essentially comprises a spring assembly that isexpandable from a first locked or retention configuration wherein thelock spring assembly 1920 is in frictional retaining engagement with thearticulation pin 1542 and a second unlocked position wherein the lockspring assembly 1920 is free to pivot about the articulation pin 1542with the surgical end effector mounting assembly 1250 as articulationmotions are applied thereto.

FIGS. 71-77 illustrate an alternative articulation lock arrangement 2010for locking a surgical end effector 1100 in an articulated positionabout an articulation axis B-B relative to a shaft axis SA. In theillustrated example, the surgical end effector 1100 is pivotally coupledto a spine assembly 1500′. The spine assembly 1500′ may be attached tothe chassis 1800 (FIG. 4) in the above described manner. A distal endportion 1540 of the spine assembly 1500′ is formed with a downwardlyprotruding articulation pin 1542 that defines the articulation axis B-B.The articulation pin 1542 is configured to be rotatably or pivotallyreceived within a spine attachment hole 1254 that is provided in amounting base 1252′ of an end effector mounting assembly 1250′. The endeffector mounting assembly 1250′ is attached to a proximal end 1103 ofthe elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin connector 1235 (FIG. 6) thatextends through a transverse mounting hole 1251 in the mounting assembly1250′ to be received within the channel mounting holes 1106 (FIG. 6)that are provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102.

Referring to FIGS. 71 and 73, in one example, the articulation lockarrangement 2010 comprises a ball lock assembly 2020 that includes aball retainer base 2022 that has a central pivot hole 2024 therein thatis configured to receive the articulation pin 1542 therethrough. Theball retainer base 2022 is attached to an articulation lock link 1960 byan articulation pin 2023 that extends through a pin hole 2025 in theball retainer base 2022 into an articulation slot 1264 in the mountingbase 1252′ of the surgical end effector mounting assembly 1250′. Thearticulation lock link 1960 is pinned to a distal end of the distalarticulation link 1710′ by a link pin 1962. The distal articulation link1710′ may interface with the articulation systems described herein foraxially moving the distal articulation link 1710′ in the distal andproximal directions depending upon the direction of articulationdesired. The ball retainer base 2022 further includes two upstandingball stop members 2026 and 2028 that serve to retain two locking balls2030 and 2032 between a distal locking surface 1263 formed on a lockingcradle 1262 on the surgical end effector mounting assembly 1250′ and aproximal locking surface 1541 formed on the distal end portion 1540 ofthe spine assembly 1500′. The ball retainer base 2022 further includestwo centering springs 2034 and 2036 that serve to also support thelocking balls 2030, 2032, respectively.

FIG. 73 illustrates the surgical end effector 1100 in an unarticulatedposition. As can be seen in FIG. 73, the locking balls 2030, 2032 arecaptured in locking engagement between the distal locking surface 1263on the locking cradle 1262 and the proximal locking surface 1541 on thedistal end portion 1540 of the spine assembly 1500′ to retain thesurgical end effector 1100 in the unarticulated position. FIG. 74illustrates a locking plane LP that extends through the points ofcontact between the locking ball 2030 and the distal locking surface1263 on the locking cradle 1262 and the proximal locking surface 1541.FIG. 75 is a top view of the articulation lock arrangement 2010 uponinitiation of articulation of the surgical end effector to the right(arrow RD) about the articulation axis. As can be seen in FIG. 75, theright articulation process is initiated by axially advancing the distalarticulation link 1710′ in the distal direction DD. Distal advancementof the distal articulation link 1710′ causes the articulation lock link1960 to move the articulation pin 2023 distally within the articulationslot 1264 in the mounting base 1252′ of the end effector mountingassembly 1250′ while also applying a release load RL to the ballretainer base 2022. Movement of the ball retainer base 2022 in the rightdirection RD causes the ball stop 2026 to move the locking ball 2032 outof locking engagement with the distal locking surface 1263 on thelocking cradle 1262. Although the ball stop 2026 has moved out ofengagement with locking ball 2030, initially, the locking ball 2030remains in temporary engagement with the distal locking surface 1263 onthe locking cradle 1262 and the proximal locking surface 1541. Furtherdistal advancement of the distal articulation link 1710′ causes thearticulation pin 2023 to apply the articulation motion to the surgicalend effector mounting assembly 1250′ in the right direction RD whilealso moving the ball retainer base 2022 in the right direction RD. Thearticulation angle AA represents the amount of articulation experiencedby the surgical end effector 1100. As the ball retainer base 2022 movesin the right direction RD, the locking ball 2030 also moves out oflocking engagement with the distal locking surface 1263 and the proximallocking surface 1541. Ball stop 2028 also holds the locking ball 2032out of locking engagement with the distal locking surface 1263 and theproximal locking surface 1541 during articulation. Once the surgical endeffector 1100 has been articulated to a desired position, the distaladvancement of the distal articulation link 1710′ is discontinued.Thereafter, the centering springs 2034 and 2036 urge the locking balls2030 and 2032 into locking engagement with the distal locking surface1263 and the proximal locking surface 1541 to retain the surgical endeffector 1100 in the articulated position. As can be seen in FIG. 76,when in the locked articulated position, the act of the centeringsprings biasing the locking balls 2030, 2032 into retaining engagementwith the distal locking surface 1263 and the proximal locking surface1541, also results in the movement of the articulation pin 2023 to aneutral position within the articulation slot 1264. To articulate thesurgical end effector 1100 in the left direction, the distalarticulation link 1710′ is moved in the proximal direction which causesthe ball lock assembly 2020 and the surgical end effector 1100 to pivotin the left direction and operates in a similar manner.

FIGS. 78-82 illustrate an alternative articulation lock arrangement 2110for locking a surgical end effector 1100 in an articulated positionabout an articulation axis B-B relative to a shaft axis SA. In theillustrated example, the surgical end effector 1100 is pivotally coupledto a spine assembly 1500″. The spine assembly 1500″ may be attached tothe chassis 1800 (FIG. 4) in the above described manner. A distal endportion 1540′ of the spine assembly 1500″ includes a pivot hole 1543that defines the articulation axis B-B. An end effector mountingassembly 1250″ is attached to a proximal end 1103 of the elongatechannel 1102 by a spring pin connector 1235 (FIGS. 80-82) that extendsthrough a transverse mounting hole 1251 in the mounting assembly 1250″to be received within the channel mounting holes 1106 (FIG. 6) that areprovided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. In theillustrated example, the surgical end effector mounting assembly 1250″includes a tapered mounting column 1253 that extends upward from themounting base 1252 to be received within the pivot hole 1543 in thespine assembly 1500″. In one arrangement, the tapered mounting column1253 tapers away from the mounting base 1252. Stated another way, thecross-sectional area of the end 1255 of the tapered mounting column 1253is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the portion of the taperedmounting column 1253 adjacent the mounting base 1252.

The articulation lock arrangement 2110 comprises at least one lockingmember or locking shoe that is movably supported between the mountingcolumn 1253 and an inner wall 1545 of the pivot hole 1543. In theillustrated arrangement, the mounting column 1253 has a triangular crosssectional shape that defines three column sides 1280, 1282, 1284. Thus,(in the illustrated example), three locking members or locking shoes2112, 2114, 2116 are employed wherein locking shoe 2112 is arrangedadjacent the column wall 1282 and locking shoe 2114 is arranged adjacentcolumn wall 1284 and locking shoe 2116 is adjacent column wall 1280.Mounting columns having other shapes and other numbers of locking shoesmay also be employed. Each of the locking shoes 2112, 2114, 2116 arereceived on a wave washer 2120 that is mounted on the mounting base 1252of the end effector mounting assembly 1250″. The illustrated arrangementincludes a proximal closure member 2410 that may be axially advanced andretracted in the various manners described herein with respect toproximal closure member 1410, for example. The proximal closure member2410 is pivotally coupled to a distal closure member 2430 that issimilar in construction and operation to distal closure member 1430. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 80-82, the distal closure member 2430 is coupled tothe proximal closure member 2410 by an upper double pivot link 1220 anda lower double pivot link 1222′. In one embodiment, the lower doublepivot link 1222′ is formed with a tapered ramp 1226 on the upper surface1224 thereof. See FIG. 78. The illustrated arrangement employs twoarticulation links 1710R and 1710L to apply left and right articulationmotions to the surgical end effector 1100. See FIG. 79. To articulatethe surgical end effector 1100 to the right, the articulation link 1710Ris axially retracted in the proximal direction PD and the articulationlink 1710L is axially advanced in the distal direction DD. Conversely,to articulate the surgical end effector 1100 in the left direction, thearticulation link 1710L is axially retracted in the proximal directionPD and the articulation link 1710R is axially advanced in the distaldirection DD. The articulation control motions may be generated andapplied to the articulation links 1710R, 1710L by various knownarticulation system arrangements and other articulation systemarrangements disclosed herein. The articulation link 1710R has a slottedend portion 1711R that is received on a right articulation pin 1266Rthat is attached to the end effector mounting assembly 1250″. Likewise,the articulation link 1710L has a slotted end portion 1711L that isreceived on a left articulation pin 1266L that is attached to the endeffector mounting assembly 1250″.

Turning now to FIG. 80, in the illustrated arrangement, the wave washer2120 biases the mounting base 1252 of the end effector mounting assembly1250″ downward (arrow D) when the closure system is in an unactuatedstate. In FIG. 80, the proximal closure member 2410 is in a proximalposition. Likewise, the lower double pivot link 1222′ is also in aproximal position which permits the mounting base 1252 to be drivendownward. Because the mounting base 1252 is in its down-most or unlockedposition, the tapered mounting column 1253 has released the lockingshoes 2112, 2114, 2116 from retaining engagement with the distal endportion 1540′ of the spine assembly 1500″ (first unlocked position).Thus, when in that position, the surgical end effector 1100 may bearticulated about the articulation axis B-B by the articulation links1710R, 1710L. Once the surgical end effector 1100 has been articulatedto a desired position, the articulation lock arrangement 2110 may bereactivated by distally advancing the proximal closure member 2410.

FIG. 81 illustrates the initiation of the locking process. As can beseen in that Figure, the proximal closure member 2410, as well as thelower double pivot link 1222′, has been initially moved in the distaldirection DD. As the lower double pivot link 1222′ moves distally, theramp 1226 thereon drives the mounting base 1252 of the end effectormounting assembly 1250″ upward to collapse the wave washer 2120. As themounting base 1252 moves upward (arrow U), the tapered mounting column1253 urges the locking shoes 2112, 2114, 2116 from a first unlockedposition into retaining locking engagement with the distal end portion1540′ of the spine assembly 1500″ (second locked position) to lock thesurgical end effector 1100 in the articulated position. This locking ofthe surgical end effector 1100 takes place before the jaws of thesurgical end effector are fully closed. FIG. 82 illustrates thepositions of the proximal closure member 2410, the lower double pivotlink 1222′, and the articulation lock arrangement 2110 when the closuresystem components have been moved to the fully closed position whereinthe end effector has been fully closed. Thus, the articulation lockarrangement 2110 may be actuated or moved between a locked state and anunlocked state by actuating the closure system a small amount.Alternative arrangements are contemplated wherein the mounting column isattached to the distal end of the spine assembly and the pivot hole isprovide in a proximal portion of the surgical end effector.

FIGS. 83 and 84 illustrate an alternative articulation lock arrangement2110′ for locking a surgical end effector 1100 in an articulatedposition about an articulation axis B-B relative to a shaft axis SA. Inthe illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1100 is pivotallycoupled to a spine assembly 1500″. The spine assembly 1500″ may beattached to the chassis 1800 (FIG. 4) in the above described manner. Adistal end portion 1540′ of the spine assembly 1500″ includes a pivothole 1543 that defines the articulation axis B-B. An end effectormounting assembly 1250″ is attached to a proximal end 1103 of theelongate channel 1102 by a spring pin connector 1235 (FIG. 6) thatextends through a transverse mounting hole 1251 in the mounting assembly1250″ to be received within the channel mounting holes 1106 (FIG. 6)that are provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102.The surgical end effector mounting assembly 1250″ includes a mountingcolumn 1253′ that extends upward from the mounting base 1252 to bereceived within the pivot hole 1543 in the spine assembly 1500″. In thisembodiment, the mounting column 1253′ may not be tapered.

This embodiment also includes a plurality of locking shoes 2112′, 2114′,2116′ that are each fabricated from electrically activated polymermaterial (EAP). Such material, for example, may expand when it has beenelectrically excited. For example, electrical current may be applied toone or more of the locking shoes 2112′, 2114′, 2116′ by a conductor (notshown) that extends from the housing or handle arrangement or roboticcontrol system, etc. Thus, once the surgical end effector 1100 has beenarticulated to a desired position, one or more of the locking shoes2112′, 2114′, 2116′ are expanded by applying an electrical currentthereto. In other arrangements, one or more of the locking shoes 2112′,2114′, 2116′ may be configured to be pneumatically or hydraulicallyinflated. In other arrangements, the locking shoes 2112′, 2114′, 2116′may not be expandable. In such arrangements, the mounting column 1253may be fabricated from EAP and be selectively expandable by applying anelectrical current thereto. In other arrangements, the mounting column1253 may be selectively pneumatically or hydraulically expandable.

FIGS. 85-89 illustrate an alternative articulation lock arrangement 2210for locking a surgical end effector 1100 in an articulated positionabout an articulation axis B-B relative to a shaft axis SA. In theillustrated example, the surgical end effector 1100 is pivotally coupledto a spine assembly 1500′. The spine assembly 1500′ may be attached tothe chassis 1800 (FIG. 4) in the above described manner. A distal endportion 1540 of an upper portion 1539 of the spine assembly 1500′ isformed with a downwardly protruding articulation pin 1542 that definesthe articulation axis B-B. The articulation pin 1542 is configured to berotatably or pivotally received within a spine attachment hole 1254 thatis provided in a mounting base 1252 of an end effector mounting assembly1250″. The end effector mounting assembly 1250″ is attached to aproximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin connector1235 (FIG. 6) that extends through a transverse mounting hole 1251 inthe mounting assembly 1250″ to be received within the channel mountingholes 1106 (FIG. 6) that are provided in the proximal end 1103 of theelongate channel 1102.

Referring to FIG. 85, the illustrated arrangement employs twoarticulation links 1710R′ and 1710L′ to apply left and rightarticulation motions to the surgical end effector 1100. In otherexamples, however, only one articulation link may be employed. In theillustrated arrangement, to articulate the surgical end effector 1100 tothe right, the articulation link 1710R′ is axially retracted in theproximal direction PD and the articulation link 1710L′ is axiallyadvanced in the distal direction DD. Conversely, to articulate thesurgical end effector 1100 in the left direction, the articulation link1710L′ is axially retracted in the proximal direction PD and thearticulation link 1710R′ is axially advanced in the distal direction DD.The articulation link 1710R′ has a slotted end portion 1711R that isreceived on a right articulation pin 1266R that is attached to the endeffector mounting assembly 1250″. Likewise, the articulation link 1710L′has a slotted end portion 1711L that is received on a left articulationpin 1266L that is attached to the end effector mounting assembly 1250″.

Still referring to FIG. 85, the articulation lock arrangement 2210 inthe illustrated embodiment includes a locking assembly 2220 thatincludes a distal end 2222 that has a right locking member or fork 2224and a left locking member or fork 2228 protruding therefrom. The rightlocking member 2224 includes a right locking gear rack 2226 that islaterally adjacent to and in confronting relationship therewith acorresponding right articulation gear rack 1720 that is formed on adownwardly extending portion of the right articulation link 1710R′.Similarly, the left locking member 2228 includes a left locking gearrack 2230 that is laterally adjacent to and in confronting relationshipwith a corresponding left articulation gear rack 1723 that is formed ona downwardly extending portion 1722 of the left articulation link1710L′. In an unactuated state, the right locking member 2224 and theleft locking member 2228 are centrally located between the rightarticulation link 1710R′ and the left articulation link 1710L′ and arenot in engagement therewith. As can also be seen in FIG. 85, the lockingassembly 2220 is supported between a lower distal spine portion 1550 andthe upper spine portion 1539. The lower distal spine portion 1550includes an upwardly extending distal support pin 1554 that extendsthrough a mounting hole 2223 in the distal end 2222 of the lockingassembly 2220 to be received in a distal boss 1544 formed on theunderside of the upper spine portion 1539. See FIG. 86. The lower distalspine portion 1550 further includes an upwardly extending proximalsupport pin 1556 that extends through a locking opening 2225 between theright and left locking members 2224, 2228 to be received in a proximalboss 1546 formed on the underside of the upper spine portion 1539.

In the illustrated arrangement, the articulation lock arrangement 2210also includes an axially movable locking bar assembly 2240 that operablyinterfaces with an articulation transmission 2250 that is operablysupported within the shaft assembly 1400′. The locking bar assembly 2240includes a locking wedge 2244 that is formed on a distal end 2242thereof. The articulation transmission 2250 is configured to operablyinterface with the distal firing bar 1620 that is operably supported inthe shaft assembly 1400′. In this context, the distal firing bar 1620may comprise a firing actuator.

Turning now to FIGS. 85-87, in the illustrated arrangement, one form ofthe articulation transmission 2250 includes a firing rack 1624 that isformed on a portion of the distal firing bar 1620 and which isconfigured to operably engage a shifter drive rack 2254 that is formedon a shifter 2252. A proximal end 2253 of the shifter 2252 is configuredto operably interface with a lock bar coupler 2246 that is formed on thelocking bar assembly 2240. As can also be seen in FIGS. 85-87, theshifter 2252 further includes a shifter driven rack 2256 that is inmeshing engagement with an articulation pinion gear 2262 that isattached to an articulation sprocket gear 2260. The articulationsprocket gear 2260 is rotatably supported within the shaft assembly1400′ and is in meshing engagement with a right articulation drive rack1724 that is formed on or attached to the right distal articulation link1710R′ as well as in meshing engagement with a left articulation driverack 1726 that is formed on or otherwise attached to the left distalarticulation link 1710L′.

Operation of the articulation transmission 2250 as well as thearticulation lock arrangement 2210 will be explained with reference toFIGS. 87-89. FIG. 87 illustrates the surgical end effector 1100 in anunarticulated position. The locking bar assembly 2240 is in itsdistal-most “unlocked position” wherein the locking wedge 2244 isreceived within the locking opening 2225 located between the right andleft locking members 2224, 2228. The right and left locking members2224, 2228 are in their unactuated state and not in engagement with theright and left articulation links 1710R′, 1710L′. Thus, the rightlocking gear rack 2226 on the right locking member 2224 is out ofengagement with the right articulation gear rack 1720 on the rightdistal articulation link 1710R′ and the left locking gear rack 2230 isout of meshing engagement with the left articulation gear rack 1723 onthe left distal articulation link 1710L′. As such, the articulation lockarrangement 2210 is in an “unlocked” configuration. However, frictionbetween the various components may keep the surgical end effector 1100from flopping or rotating about the articulation axis B-B.

FIG. 88 illustrates initiation of the articulation process. As can beseen in FIG. 88, the proximal end 2253 of the shifter 2252 is operablyengaged with the lock bar coupler 2246 and the locking bar assembly 2240is in the unlocked orientation. When the shifter 2252 is engaged withthe locking bar assembly 2240 in this manner, the shifter drive rack2254 is in meshing engagement with the firing rack 1624 on the distalfiring bar 1620. The articulation process is then initiated by axiallymoving the distal firing bar 1620. In the example shown in FIG. 88, theend effector 1100 is articulated about the articulation axis in theright direction RD by axially moving the distal firing bar 1620 in theproximal direction PD. Axial actuation of the distal firing bar 1620 inthe proximal and distal directions has been discussed in detail herein.Because the lock bar coupler 2246 is retaining the shifter drive rack2254 in meshing engagement with the firing rack 1624 on the distalfiring bar 1620, the shifter 2252 moves proximally with the distalfiring bar 1620. Movement of the shifter 2252 in the proximal directionPD, by virtue of the meshing engagement of the shifter driven rack 2256with the articulation pinion gear 2262, causes the articulation piniongear 2262 and the articulation sprocket gear 2260 to rotate in theclockwise direction through an articulation actuation angle AAA. As thearticulation sprocket gear 2260 rotates, the right distal articulationlink 1710R′ is driven in the proximal direction PD and the left distalarticulation link 1710L′ is driven in the distal direction DD whichultimately causes the surgical end effector to pivot about thearticulation axis in the right direction RD. Once the surgical endeffector 1100 has been articulated to the desired position, the user canlock the end effector 1100 in that articulated position by axiallyadvancing the locking bar assembly 2240 in the proximal direction PD tocause the locking wedge 2244 to move proximally into driving contactwith two actuation detents 2227, 2229 formed on the right locking member2224 and left locking member 2228, respectively to laterally bias theright locking member 2224 and left locking member 2228 laterally outwardinto locking engagement with the right and left articulation gear racks1720, 1723, respectively. Such proximal movement of the locking barassembly 2240 also serves to decouple the lock bar coupler 2246 from theshifter 2252 as shown in FIG. 89.

As can be seen in FIG. 89, when the shifter 2252 has been decoupled fromthe locking bar assembly 2240, the shifter drive rack 2254 is no longerin meshing engagement with the firing rack 1624 on the distal firing bar1620 and the shifter driven rack 2256 is no longer in meshing engagementwith the articulation pinion gear 2262. Thus, the distal firing bar 1620can now be distally advanced to apply firing motions to the surgical endeffector and then retracted in the proximal direction back to thestarting position shown in FIG. 87. Once the distal firing bar 1620 hasreturned to the starting position, the user may then distally advancethe locking bar assembly 2240 so as to bring the lock bar coupler 2246into operable engagement with the proximal end 2253 of the shifter 2252and move the locking wedge 2244 back into its starting or unlockedposition wherein the right locking member 2224 and the left lockingmember 2228 can spring back or otherwise return to their unlockedpositions. The user may then apply axial motion to the distal firing bar1620 in the appropriate axial direction to return the surgical endeffector 1100 to its unarticulated position.

FIGS. 90-95 illustrate an alternative articulation lock arrangement 2310for locking a surgical end effector 1100 in an articulated positionabout an articulation axis B-B relative to a shaft axis SA. In theillustrated example, the surgical end effector 1100 is pivotally coupledto a spine assembly 1500′. The spine assembly 1500′ may be attached tothe chassis 1800 (FIG. 4) in the above-described manner. A distal endportion 1540 of an upper spine portion 1539 of the spine assembly 1500′is formed with a downwardly protruding articulation pin 1542 thatdefines the articulation axis B-B. The articulation pin 1542 isconfigured to be rotatably or pivotally received within a spineattachment hole 1254 that is provided in a mounting base 1252 of an endeffector mounting assembly 1250″. The end effector mounting assembly1250″ is attached to a proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 bya spring pin connector 1235 (FIG. 6) that extends through a transversemounting hole 1251 in the mounting assembly 1250″ to be received withinthe channel mounting holes 1106 (FIG. 6) that are provided in theproximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102.

Referring to FIG. 90, the illustrated arrangement employs twoarticulation links 1710R″ and 1710L″ to apply right and leftarticulation motions to the surgical end effector 1100. To articulatethe surgical end effector 1100 to the right, the articulation link1710R″ is axially retracted in the proximal direction PD and thearticulation link 1710L″ is axially advanced in the distal direction DD.Conversely, to articulate the surgical end effector 1100 in the leftdirection, the articulation link 1710L″ is axially retracted in theproximal direction PD and the articulation link 1710R″ is axiallyadvanced in the distal direction DD. The right distal articulation link1710R″ has a slotted end portion 1711R that is received on a rightarticulation pin 1266R that is attached to the end effector mountingassembly 1250″. Likewise, the left distal articulation link 1710L″ has aslotted end portion 1711L that is received on a left articulation pin1266L that is attached to the end effector mounting assembly 1250″.

Still referring to FIG. 90, a right brake plate 2312 is formed on theright distal articulation link 1710R″ and a left brake plate 2320 isformed on the left distal articulation link 1710L″. As can also be seenin FIG. 90, the right and left brake plates 2312, 2320 are supportedbetween a lower distal spine portion 1552′ and the upper spine portion1539. The lower distal spine portion 1552′ includes an upwardlyextending distal support pin 1554 that is configured to be received in adistal boss (not shown) that is formed on the underside of the upperspine portion 1539. In the illustrated arrangement, the articulationlock arrangement 2310 also includes an axially movable and lockablelocking bar assembly 2340 that may operably interface with anarticulation transmission of the type described herein or otherwiseinterface with a lock bar control arrangement (not shown) that isconfigured to apply axial control motions thereto in the distaldirection DD and proximal direction PD. The locking bar assembly 2340includes a locking clamp 2344 that is formed on a distal end 2342thereof. The locking clamp 2344 extends through a right brake slot 2314in the right brake plate 2312 and a left brake slot 2322 in the leftbrake plate 2320 as well as through an axial slot 2352 provided througha wedge plate 2350 to engage a clamp plate 2360.

Operation of the articulation lock arrangement 2310 will be explainedwith reference to FIGS. 91-95. FIG. 91 illustrates the surgical endeffector 1100 in an unarticulated position. The locking bar assembly2340 is in an unlocked position wherein the clamp portion 2344 is notapplying any clamping force to the right and left brake plates 2312,2320. Thus, the right distal articulation link 1710R″ and the leftdistal articulation link 1710L″ are free to move axially whenarticulation motions are applied thereto. Friction between the variouscomponents may keep the surgical end effector 1100 from flopping orrotating about the articulation axis B-B. FIG. 92 illustratesarticulation of the surgical end effector 1100 in the left direction LDby axially moving the right distal articulation link 1710R″ in thedistal direction DD and moving the left distal articulation link 1710L″in the proximal direction PD. FIG. 93 illustrates the articulation lockarrangement 2310 in the unlocked configuration. FIGS. 94 and 95illustrate the articulation lock arrangement 2310 in the lockedconfiguration. The articulation lock arrangement 2310 is locked byapplying an actuation motion to the locking bar assembly 2340 in theproximal direction. Such action causes the clamping portion thereof toclamp the right and left brake plates 2312, 2320 to be retaininglyclamped between the wedge plate 2350 and the lower distal spine portion1552′. Such arrangement serves to apply a clamping force CF between theclamping plate 2360 and the lower distal spine portion 1552′ to therebyprevent any further axial movement of the right distal articulation link1710R″ and the left distal articulation link 1710L″.

FIGS. 96 and 97 illustrate an example of an articulation strokemultiplier transmission arrangement 2410 that may be employed withvarious articulation link arrangements disclosed herein. Turning firstto FIG. 97, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of a portion of ashaft assembly 1400″ that includes a proximal closure member 1410 aswell as an upper intermediate spine segment 1510″ and a distal spineextension 1562″. The intermediate spine segment 1510″ and a distal spineextension 1562″ serve to operably support a distal firing bar 1620 aswell as the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 in the various mannersdisclosed herein. This embodiment includes an intermediate articulationlink segment 1706 and a distal articulation link segment 1707 that mayinterface with an end effector mounting assembly in any of the variousways disclosed herein. The intermediate articulation link 1706 mayoperably interface with an articulation lock 1210 in the various mannersdisclosed herein. As can be seen in FIG. 96, the intermediatearticulation link segment 1706 includes an intermediate or first gearrack 1708 formed thereon and the distal articulation link segment 1707includes a second or distal gear rack 1709. The gear racks 1708 and 1709are in meshing engagement with at least one and preferably at least twomultiplier pinion gear sets 2412 that are rotatably supported between anupper intermediate spine segment 1510″ and the distal spine extension1562″. See FIG. 97. In the illustrated arrangement for example, eachmultiplier gear set 2412 comprises a smaller drive gear 2414 that issupported in meshing engagement with the first gear rack 1708 and alarger multiplier gear 2416 that is supported in meshing engagement withthe distal gear rack 1709.

FIGS. 98A-98C illustrate operation of the articulation stroke multipliertransmission arrangement 2410. FIG. 98A illustrates the positions of theintermediate articulation link segment 1706 and a distal articulationlink segment 1707 when in a neutral or unarticulated position. FIG. 98Billustrates the positions of the intermediate articulation link segment1706 and a distal articulation link segment 1707 after the intermediatearticulation link segment 1706 has been axially advanced in the distaldirection from the neutral position in FIG. 98A a distance D_(1R). Ascan also be seen in FIG. 98B, the distal articulation link 1707 moved anaxial distance D_(2R). In the illustrated example, D_(2R)>D_(1R). FIG.98C illustrates the positions of the intermediate articulation linksegment 1706 and a distal articulation link segment 1707 after theintermediate articulation link segment 1706 has been axially advanced inthe proximal direction PD from the neutral position illustrated in FIG.98A a distance D_(1L). As can also be seen in FIG. 98C, the distalarticulation link 1707 moved an axial distance D_(2L). In theillustrated example, D_(2L)>D_(1L). Thus, such an arrangement enablesadditional axial articulation stroke to be gained and employed toarticulate the end effector through greater ranges of articulation aboutthe articulation axis.

FIGS. 99A-99B illustrate an example of an articulation stroke multipliertransmission 2510 that may be employed with various articulation linkarrangements disclosed herein. The articulation stroke multiplier 2510operably interfaces with a proximal articulation driver 1700″ which maybe identical to the proximal articulation driver 1700 except for thenoted differences. In particular, the proximal articulation driver 1700″includes a drive rack 1701 that is formed on the distal end thereof. Thedrive rack is configured to meshingly engage a gear segment 2522 that isformed on a swing gear 2520 that is pivotally pinned to a correspondingportion of the spine assembly. In the illustrated arrangement, the swinggear 2520 is pivotable about a swing gear axis that is transverse to theaxial directions in which the proximal articulation driver 1700″ isconfigured to travel. The swing gear 2520 further includes a transferslot 2524 that is configured to receive a transfer pin 1713 that isattached to a proximal end 1716 of an intermediate articulation linksegment 1706″. As can be seen in FIGS. 99A-99B, the distal end of theintermediate articulation link segment 1706″ is configured to operablyinterface with an articulation lock 1210 in the various mannersdisclosed herein.

FIG. 99A, illustrates the articulation stroke multiplier transmission2510 in a neutral position wherein no articulation motion has beenapplied to the proximal articulation driver 1700″. FIG. 99B illustratesthe position of the articulation stroke multiplier transmission 2510after the proximal articulation driver 1700″ has been axially advancedin the distal direction DD a first axial distance D₁. Such movement ofthe proximal articulation driver 1700″ in the distal direction causesthe swing gear 2520 to pivot in a clockwise direction CW about the swinggear axis. Such movement of the swing gear 2520 drives the intermediatearticulation link segment 1706″ in the proximal direction a second axialdistance D₂. In such example, D₂>D₁. FIGS. 99C-99D illustrate a similararrangement, except that the transfer slot 2524 is provided in theproximal end 1716 of the intermediate articulation link segment 1706″and the transfer pin 1713 is provided in the swing gear 2520.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector movablycoupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint. The articulationjoint is configured to selectively facilitate selective articulation ofthe surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly about anarticulation axis. The articulation axis is transverse to a shaft axisthat is defined by the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises aproximal end, a distal end operably coupled to the articulation joint,and an elongate notch in the shaft assembly. The elongate notch is onone lateral side of the shaft axis and is located adjacent to the distalend.

Example 2

The surgical tool assembly of Example 1, wherein the articulation jointis configured to restrict articulation of the surgical end effectorabout the articulation axis to the one lateral side of the shaft axis.

Example 3

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the shaftassembly comprises a spine assembly and a proximal closure member. Thespine assembly comprises a distal spine end operably coupled to thearticulation joint. The proximal closure member is supported on thespine assembly for selective axial travel relative thereto. The elongatenotch further comprises an elongate spine notch in the distal spine endon the one lateral side of the shaft axis and an elongate closure membernotch in the proximal closure member on the one lateral side of theshaft axis and corresponding with the elongate spine notch.

Example 4

The surgical tool assembly of Example 3, wherein the surgical endeffector comprises a first jaw operably coupled to the articulationjoint and a second jaw supported for selective movable travel relativeto the first jaw in response to closure motions applied thereto.

Example 5

The surgical tool assembly of Example 4, wherein the shaft assemblyfurther comprises a distal closure member movably coupled to theproximal closure member for selective axial travel therewith, the distalclosure member operably interfacing with the second jaw to apply theclosure motions thereto.

Example 6

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the surgical toolassembly further comprises means for preventing buckling of the distalend of the shaft assembly when an axial actuation motion is applied tothe proximal end of the shaft assembly.

Example 7

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 3, 4, or 5, wherein the surgicaltool assembly further comprises means for preventing buckling of thedistal end of the shaft assembly when an axial actuation motion isapplied to the proximal end of the shaft assembly.

Example 8

The surgical tool assembly of Example 7, wherein the means forpreventing buckling comprises at least one alignment member protrudingfrom the proximal closure member and extending into a correspondingaxial slot in the spine assembly.

Example 9

The surgical tool assembly of Example 8, wherein the at least onealignment member comprises at least one first alignment memberprotruding from the proximal closure member at a first location andextending into a corresponding first axial slot in the spine assemblyfor axial travel therein and at least one second alignment memberprotruding from the proximal closure member at a second location that isdiametrically opposed to the first location. The second alignment memberextends into a corresponding second axial slot in the spine assembly.

Example 10

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 8 or 9, wherein at least one ofthe at least one alignment member has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape.

Example 11

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector movablycoupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint. The articulationjoint is configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgicalend effector relative to the shaft assembly about an articulation axis.The articulation axis is transverse to a shaft axis that is defined bythe shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a proximal portionincluding an uninterrupted outer proximal perimeter and a distal portionextending from the proximal portion and operably coupled to thearticulation joint. The distal portion includes a distal outerperimeter, which includes a discontinuous distal portion that is locatedon one lateral side of the shaft axis.

Example 12

The surgical tool assembly of Example 11, wherein the articulation jointis configured to restrict articulation of the surgical end effectorabout the articulation axis to the one lateral side of the shaft axis.

Example 13

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 11 or 12, wherein the shaftassembly comprises a spine assembly comprising a distal spine endoperably coupled to the articulation joint and a proximal closure membersupported on the spine assembly for selective axial travel relativethereto. The discontinuous distal portion comprises an elongate closuremember notch in the proximal closure member on the one lateral side ofthe shaft axis.

Example 14

The surgical tool assembly of Example 13, wherein the surgical toolassembly further comprises an elongate closure member notch.

Example 15

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 13 or 14, wherein the surgicaltool assembly further comprises means for preventing buckling of thedistal end of the shaft assembly when an axial actuation motion isapplied to the proximal portion of the shaft assembly.

Example 16

The surgical tool assembly of Example 15, wherein the means forpreventing buckling comprises at least one alignment member protrudingfrom the proximal closure member and extending into a correspondingaxial slot in the spine assembly.

Example 17

The surgical tool assembly of Example 16, wherein the at least onealignment member comprises at least one first alignment memberprotruding from the proximal closure member at a first location andextending into a corresponding first axial slot in the spine assemblyfor axial travel therein and at least one second alignment memberprotruding from the proximal closure member at a second location that isdiametrically opposed to the first location. The second alignment memberextends into a corresponding second axial slot in the spine assembly.

Example 18

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 16 or 17, wherein at least one ofthe at least one alignment member has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape.

Example 19

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or18, wherein the distal portion includes a distal axial length. Theproximal portion includes a proximal axial length, and the proximalaxial length is greater than the distal axial length.

Example 20

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector movablycoupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint. The articulationjoint is configured to facilitate selective articulation of the surgicalend effector relative to the shaft assembly about an articulation axis.The articulation axis is transverse to a shaft axis that is defined bythe shaft assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a proximal end, adistal end operably coupled to the articulation joint, an elongatenotch, and an axially displaceable firing member axially aligned withthe shaft axis. The elongate notch is in the shaft assembly on onelateral side of the shaft axis and located adjacent to the distal end.

Example 21

A surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft assembly, a surgical endeffector, and a protective cap member. The shaft assembly comprises anaxially movable closure member and an axially movable firing memberselectively axially movable between an unfired position and a firedposition. The surgical end effector comprises a first jaw and a secondjaw comprising a mounting portion including a pair of mounting walls.The mounting walls are configured to movably engage a portion of thefirst jaw to movably support the second jaw on the first jaw. Themounting portion defines a cam area configured for engagement by theaxially movable closure member to move the second jaw from an openposition to a closed position relative to the first jaw. The mountingwalls define an open topped parking area therebetween for accommodatingthe firing member therein when the firing member is in the unfiredposition. The protective cap member is attached to the mounting wallsand covers at least a portion of the open topped parking area.

Example 22

The surgical tool assembly of Example 21, wherein each of the mountingwalls are configured to pivotally engage corresponding portions of thefirst jaw to facilitate pivotal travel of the second jaw relative to thefirst jaw about a pivot axis.

Example 23

The surgical tool assembly of Example 22, wherein each of the mountingwalls protrude proximally from the cam area. The protective capcomprises a transition portion configured to cover at least a portion ofthe open topped parking area proximal to the cam area and forming apre-closure cam surface that is proximal to the cam area and at leastone attachment portion extending from the transition portion to couplethe protective cap to at least one of the mounting walls.

Example 24

The surgical tool assembly of Example 23, wherein the at least oneattachment member comprises a first leg extending downward from thetransition portion and being configured to retainingly engage acorresponding one of the mounting walls and a second leg extendingdownward from the transition portion and being configured to retaininglyengage a corresponding another one of the mounting walls.

Example 25

The surgical tool assembly of Example 24, wherein the first and secondlegs are removably attachable to the mounting walls.

Example 26

The surgical tool assembly of Example 25, wherein the first legcomprises a first attachment opening configured to retainingly receivetherein a first attachment lug formed on the corresponding one of themounting walls. The second leg comprises a second attachment openingconfigured to retainingly receive therein a second attachment lug formedon the corresponding other one of the mounting walls.

Example 27

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein theclosure member comprises a distal camming surface configured tocammingly engage the pre-closure cam surface on the protective cap aswell as the cam area on the mounting portion to move the second jaw fromthe open position to the closed position.

Example 28

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27,wherein the surgical tool assembly further comprises means for biasingthe second jaw to the open position.

Example 29

The surgical tool assembly of Example 28, wherein the surgical toolassembly further comprises means for preventing the second jaw frombeing opened beyond a maximum open position.

Example 30

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or29, wherein the second jaw is configured to be selectively pivotal abouta pivot axis relative to the first jaw, and wherein at least a portionof the open topped parking area is proximal to the pivot axis.

Example 31

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,or 30, wherein the second jaw comprises a pair of trunnions pivotallysupported in the mounting walls.

Example 32

The surgical tool assembly of Example 31, wherein the pair of trunnionscomprises a first trunnion configured to be pivotally supported in afirst transverse pivot hole in a first one of the mounting walls and asecond trunnion configured to be pivotally supported in a secondtransverse pivot hole in a second one of the mounting walls. The firstand second trunnions define a pivot axis about which the second jaw ispivotable.

Example 33

The surgical tool assembly of Example 32, wherein the surgical toolassembly further comprises a first installation slot in the first one ofthe mounting walls and a second installation slot in the second one ofthe mounting walls. The first installation slot extends transversely tothe first transverse pivot hole from a first top edge of the first oneof the mounting walls to the first transverse pivot hole. The secondinstallation slot extends transversely to second transverse pivot holefrom a second top edge of said second one of said mounting walls to saidsecond transverse pivot hole.

Example 34

A surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft assembly, a surgical endeffector, and a protective cap member. The shaft assembly comprises anaxially movable closure member and an axially movable firing memberselectively axially movable between an unfired position and a firedposition. The surgical end effector comprises an elongate channelconfigured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein andan anvil comprising an anvil mounting portion. The anvil mountingportion includes a pair of anvil mounting walls pivotally supported onthe elongate channel for selective pivotal travel relative thereto abouta pivot axis. The anvil mounting portion defines a cam area configuredfor engagement by the axially movable closure member to move the anvilfrom an open position to a closed position relative to the elongatechannel. The anvil mounting walls define an open topped parking areatherebetween for accommodating the firing member therein when the firingmember is in the unfired position. The protective cap member is attachedto the anvil mounting walls and covers at least a portion of the opentopped parking area.

Example 35

The surgical tool assembly of Example 34, wherein at least a portion ofthe open topped parking area is proximal to the pivot axis.

Example 36

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 34 or 35, wherein the firingmember comprises a vertically extending firing body comprising a tissuecutting edge, top anvil engaging tabs, and bottom channel engaging tabs.The top anvil engaging tabs extend laterally from a top end of thefiring body and are configured to engage the anvil as the firing memberis axially advanced from the unfired position to the fired position. Thebottom channel engaging tabs extend laterally from a bottom portion ofthe firing body and configured to engage the channel as the firingmember is axially advanced from the unfired position to the firedposition to retain an underside of the anvil a desired distance from acartridge deck of a surgical staple cartridge supported in the elongatechannel.

Example 37

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 34, 35, or 36, wherein each ofthe mounting walls protrude proximally from the cam area. The protectivecap comprises a transition portion configured to cover at least aportion of the open topped parking area proximal to the cam area andform a pre-closure cam surface that is proximal to the cam area and atleast one attachment portion extending from the transition portion tocouple the protective cap to at least one of the anvil mounting walls.

Example 38

The surgical tool assembly of Example 37, wherein the at least oneattachment portion comprises a first leg extending downward from thetransition portion and is configured to retainingly engage acorresponding one of the anvil mounting walls and a second leg extendingdownward from the transition portion and is configured to retaininglyengage a corresponding another one of the anvil mounting walls.

Example 39

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 34, 35, 36, 37, or 38, whereinthe surgical tool assembly further comprises means for biasing the anvilto the open position when the closure member is in a starting position.

Example 40

A surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft assembly and a surgical endeffector. The shaft assembly comprises an axially movable closure memberand an axially movable firing member selectively axially movable betweenan unfired position and a fired position. The surgical end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw comprising a mounting portion.The mounting portion includes a pair of mounting walls configured tomovably engage a portion of the first jaw to movably support the secondjaw on the first jaw. The mounting portion defines a cam area configuredfor engagement by the axially movable closure member to move the secondjaw from an open position to a closed position relative to the firstjaw. The mounting walls define an open topped parking area therebetweenfor accommodating the firing member therein when the firing member is inthe unfired position. The surgical tool assembly further comprises meansfor at least partially covering at least a portion of the open toppedparking area and defining a pre-closure cam surface that is proximal tothe cam area.

Example 41

A surgical tool assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and ashaft assembly. The second jaw is movably supported on the first jaw forselective movement relative to the first jaw between an open positionand a closed position about a fixed pivot axis. The shaft assembly isconfigured to apply an initial closure motion to a cam surface on thesecond jaw in a first closure direction that is normal to the camsurface and an additional closure motion to the cam surface in a secondclosure direction that is parallel to the shaft axis as the closuremember is axially advanced on the cam surface.

Example 42

The surgical tool assembly of Example 41, wherein the cam surface isformed on a second jaw mounting portion, and wherein the second jawfurther comprises first and second mounting walls that are eachpivotally attached to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel aboutthe pivot axis.

Example 43

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 41 or 42, wherein the axiallymovable closure member comprises a distal closure tube comprising adistal end surface and a distal camming surface configured to camminglyengage the cam surface on the second jaw.

Example 44

The surgical tool assembly of Example 43, wherein the distal end surfaceis configured to apply the initial closure motion to the cam surface andthe distal camming surface is configured to apply the additional closuremotion to the cam surface.

Example 45

The surgical tool assembly of Example 44, wherein the distal end surfacecomprises a portion of a cross-sectional thickness of the closure tubeand wherein the camming surface extends from the distal end surface andcomprises another portion of the cross-sectional thickness of theclosure tube.

Example 46

The surgical tool assembly of Example 45, wherein the closure tubecomprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and a distal end definingthe distal end surface. The distal camming surface extends from thedistal end surface to the inner surface at an obtuse angle relative tothe distal end surface.

Example 47

The surgical tool assembly of Example 42, wherein the shaft assemblyfurther comprises an axially movable firing member selectively axiallymovable between the first and second mounting walls between a startingposition and an ending position.

Example 48

The surgical tool assembly of Example 47, wherein at least a portion ofthe firing member is proximal to the cam surface when the firing memberis in the starting position.

Example 49

A surgical tool assembly comprising an end effector and a shaftassembly. The end effector comprises an elongate channel configured tooperably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil. Theanvil comprises an anvil mounting portion movably supported on theelongate channel for selective movement relative to the elongate channelabout a fixed pivot axis between an open position and closed positions.The shaft assembly defines a shaft axis and comprises an axially movableclosure member that is configured to apply an initial closure motion toa cam surface on the anvil mounting portion in a first closure directionthat is normal to the cam surface and an additional closure motion tothe cam surface in a second closure direction that is parallel to theshaft axis as the closure member is axially advanced on the cam surface.

Example 50

The surgical tool assembly of Example 49, wherein the anvil furthercomprises first and second anvil mounting walls that are each pivotallyattached to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel about thepivot axis.

Example 51

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 49 or 50, wherein the axiallymovable closure member comprises a distal closure tube comprising adistal end surface and a distal camming surface configured to camminglyengage the cam surface on the anvil mounting portion.

Example 52

The surgical tool assembly of Example 51, wherein the distal end surfaceis configured to apply the initial closure motion to the cam surface,and the distal camming surface is configured to apply the additionalclosure motion to the cam surface.

Example 53

The surgical tool assembly of Example 52, wherein the distal end surfacecomprises a portion of a cross-sectional thickness of the closure tube,and wherein the camming surface extends from the distal end surface andcomprises another portion of the cross-sectional thickness of theclosure tube.

Example 54

The surgical tool assembly of Example 50, wherein the shaft assemblyfurther comprises an axially movable firing member that is selectivelyaxially movable between the first and second anvil mounting wallsbetween a starting position and an ending position.

Example 55

The surgical tool assembly of Example 54, wherein at least a portion ofthe firing member is proximal to the cam surface when the firing memberis in the starting position.

Example 56

A surgical tool assembly comprising an end effector and a shaft assemblydefining a shaft axis and comprising an axially movable closure member.The end effector comprises an elongate channel configured to operablysupport a surgical cartridge therein and an anvil movably comprising ananvil mounting portion supported on the elongate channel for selectivemovement relative to the elongate channel between an open position and aclosed position. The surgical tool assembly further comprises firstclosure means on the closure member for applying an initial closuremotion to a cam surface on the anvil mounting portion in a first closuredirection that is normal to the cam surface and second closure means onthe closure member for applying additional closure motion to the camsurface in a second closure direction that is parallel to the shaft axisas the closure member is axially advanced on the cam surface.

Example 57

The surgical tool assembly of Example 56, wherein the first closuremeans comprises a distal cam surface on a portion of a distal end of theclosure member, and wherein the second closure means comprises a distalcamming surface on another portion of the distal end and extending fromthe distal cam surface at an obtuse angle relative thereto.

Example 58

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 56 or 57, wherein the cam surfaceis formed on an anvil mounting portion, and wherein the anvil furthercomprises first and second mounting walls that are each pivotallyattached to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel about thepivot axis.

Example 59

The surgical tool assembly of Example 58, wherein the shaft assemblyfurther comprises an axially movable firing member selectively axiallymovable between the first and second mounting walls between a startingposition and an ending position.

Example 60

The surgical tool assembly of Example 59, wherein at least a portion ofthe firing member is proximal to the cam surface when the firing memberis in the starting position.

Example 61

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector and aclosure member axially movable in response to closing and openingmotions applied thereto. The surgical end effector comprises a first jawand a second jaw comprising a second jaw body portion and a second jawmounting portion. The second jaw mounting portion is movably coupled tothe first jaw for selective movement relative thereto between an openposition and closed positions. The closure member comprises at least oneopening cam formed thereon, and the at least one opening cam isconfigured to movably engage a corresponding cam surface formed on thesecond jaw body portion such that upon application of the opening motionto the closure member, the at least one opening cam movably engages thecorresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to the open position.Upon application of the closure motion to the closure member, theclosure member engages the second jaw to move the second jaw to one ofthe closed positions.

Example 62

The surgical tool assembly of Example 61, wherein the at least oneopening cam comprises a first hook portion extending distally from adistal end of the closure member and being configured to camminglyengage a first one of the cam surfaces formed on the second jaw bodyportion and a second hook portion extending distally from the distal endof the closure member and being configured to cammingly engage a secondone of the cam surfaces formed on the second jaw body portion.

Example 63

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 61 or 62, wherein the cam surfacecomprises a downwardly extending ramp surface formed on the second jawbody portion.

Example 64

The surgical tool assembly of Example 63, wherein each of the at leastone opening cam comprises a camming end formed thereon configured tocammingly engage the corresponding ramp surface upon application of theopening motion to the closure member.

Example 65

The surgical tool assembly of Example 64, wherein each ramp surfacecomprises a ramp surface end, and wherein each camming end is configuredto engage the ramp surface end of the corresponding ramp surface toretain the second jaw in a fully open position relative to the firstjaw.

Example 66

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 61, 62, 63, 64, or 65, whereinthe surgical tool assembly further comprises secondary jaw opening meansfor applying additional opening motion to the second jaw.

Example 67

The surgical tool assembly of Example 66, wherein the secondary jawopening means comprises at least one secondary jaw opening member on theclosure member configured to engage a corresponding jaw opening featureon the second jaw to apply the additional opening motion to the secondjaw as the opening motion is applied to the closure member.

Example 68

The surgical tool assembly of Example 67, wherein the secondary jawopening feature comprises at least one first jaw opening tab integrallyformed in the closure member and configured to contact a correspondingone of the corresponding jaw opening feature and at least one second jawopening tab integrally formed in the closure member and configured tocontact another corresponding one of the corresponding jaw openingfeature.

Example 69

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 66, 67, or 68, wherein thesecondary jaw opening means comprises at least one biasing memberconfigured to apply additional opening motion to the second jaw.

Example 70

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, or69, wherein the first and second hook portions each comprise a compliantportion thereon.

Example 71

The surgical tool assembly of Example 70, wherein the compliant portioncomprises a compliant material attached to each of the first and secondhook portions.

Example 72

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 70 or 71, wherein the at leastone biasing member comprises a spring corresponding to each of the firstand second hook portions and being attached thereto.

Example 73

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector and aclosure member axially movable in response to closing and openingmotions applied thereto. The surgical end effector comprises an elongatechannel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridgetherein and an anvil comprising an anvil body and an anvil mountingportion, the anvil mounting portion pivotally supported on the elongatechannel for selective movement relative thereto between an open positionand closed positions. The closure member comprises at least one openingcam formed thereon, wherein the at least one opening cam is configuredto movably engage a corresponding cam surface formed on the anvil bodyportion such that upon application of the opening motion to the closuremember. The at least one opening cam movably engages the correspondingcam surface to move the anvil to the open position and upon applicationof the closure motion to the closure member, the closure member engagesthe anvil to move the anvil to one of the closed positions.

Example 74

The surgical tool assembly of Example 73, wherein the surgical toolassembly further comprises at least one tissue stop formed on the anvilbody and wherein the at least one cam surface is located proximal to theat least one tissue stop.

Example 75

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 73 or 74, wherein the at leastone opening cam comprises a first hook portion extending distally from adistal end of the closure member and being configured to camminglyengage a first one of the cam surfaces formed on the anvil body and asecond hook portion extending distally from the distal end of theclosure member and being configured to cammingly engage a second one ofthe cam surfaces formed on the anvil body.

Example 76

The surgical tool assembly of Example 75, wherein the first and secondhook portions each comprise a compliant portion thereon.

Example 77

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 73 or 74, wherein the first andsecond hook portions each comprise a compliant portion thereon.

Example 78

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 73, 74, 75, 76, or 77, whereinthe surgical tool assembly further comprises secondary anvil openingmeans for applying additional opening motion to the second jaw.

Example 79

The surgical tool assembly of Example 78, wherein the anvil is pivotallycoupled to the elongate channel for selective pivotal travel between theopen and closed positions about a pivot axis. The secondary anvilopening means is located proximal to the pivot axis.

Example 80

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector and aclosure member. The surgical end effector comprises an elongate channelconfigured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein andan anvil comprising an anvil body and an anvil mounting portion. Theanvil mounting portion is pivotally supported on the elongate channelfor selective movement relative thereto between an open position andclosed positions. The closure member is axially movable between a fullyactuated position corresponding to a fully closed one of the closedpositions and an unactuated position corresponding to the open position.The closure member comprises a closure system configured to sequentiallyapply initial opening motions to the anvil and additional secondarymotions to the anvil as the closure member is moved from the fullyactuated position to the unactuated position.

Example 81

A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw configured to operablysupport a surgical staple cartridge therein, a second jaw movablysupported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between openand closed positions, a firing member, and a firing member lockoutsystem. The firing member is supported for axial movement within thefirst jaw along a shaft axis between a starting position and an endingposition upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto. Thefiring member lockout system is movable by second jaw between anunactuated position and a locking position wherein when the firingmember is initially distally advanced from the starting position, thefiring member lockingly engages the firing member lockout system toprevent further distal advancement of the firing member unless anunfired surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that islocated in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw.

Example 82

The surgical end effector of Example 81, wherein the firing memberlockout system comprises a lock member mounted to the first jaw.

Example 83

The surgical end effector of Example 82, wherein the lock member furthercomprises a spring tab configured to support the lock member on thefirst jaw and bias the lock member into the unlocked position.

Example 84

The surgical end effector of Examples 82 or 83, wherein the lock membercomprises at least one laterally movable locking portion configured tolockingly engage a portion of the firing member upon the initial distaladvancement of the firing member when the second jaw is in the closedposition unless the unfired surgical staple cartridge is supportedwithin the first jaw.

Example 85

The surgical end effector of Example 84, wherein the firing membercomprises a firing member body comprising a lock protrusion thatcorresponds to each of the laterally movable locking portions, each lockprotrusion oriented for locking engagement with the correspondinglaterally movable locking portion upon the initial distal advancement ofthe firing member when the second jaw is in the closed position unlessthe unfired surgical staple cartridge is supported within the first jaw.

Example 86

The surgical end effector of Example 85, wherein the cam assemblycomprises an unlocking feature corresponding to each laterally movablelocking portion to laterally bias each of the corresponding laterallymovable locking portions out of locking engagement with thecorresponding lock protrusion when the unfired surgical staple cartridgeis supported in the first jaw and the cam assembly thereof is in theunfired position.

Example 87

The surgical end effector of Examples 85 or 86, wherein each of thelaterally movable locking portions comprises a locking window configuredto lockingly receive a portion of the corresponding lock protrusion whenthe laterally movable locking portion is in the locking engagement withthe corresponding lock protrusion.

Example 88

The surgical end effector of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, or 87,wherein the firing member lockout system comprises at least one lockmember movably coupled to said second jaw for travel along acorresponding lock axis that is transverse to said shaft axis when saidanvil is in said closed position.

Example 89

The surgical end effector of Examples 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, or 88,wherein the firing member lockout system comprises a locking membermovably supported for travel between the unlocked position and thelocking position wherein upon the initial distal advancement of thefiring member, at least a portion of the locking member is configured tohookingly engage a corresponding portion of the firing member to preventthe firing member from being advanced from the starting position to theending position.

Example 90

A surgical end effector comprising an elongate channel configured tooperably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, an anvil supportedrelative to the elongate channel such that the anvil is selectivelymovable relative to the elongate channel between open and closedpositions, a firing member, and a firing member lockout system. Thefiring member is supported for axial movement within the elongatechannel along a shaft axis between a starting position and an endingposition upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto. Thefiring member lockout system is movably by the anvil between anunactuated position and a locking position, wherein when the firingmember is initially distally advanced from the starting position, thefiring member lockingly engages the firing member lockout system toprevent further distal advancement of the firing member unless anunfired surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that islocated in an unfired position is supported within the elongate channel.The firing member lockout system is configured to be moved from theunactuated position to the locking position when the anvil is moved tothe closed position.

Example 91

The surgical end effector of Example 90, wherein the firing memberlockout system comprises a lock member. The lock member comprises a pairof laterally movable locking portions, a mounting portion configured tosupport the lock member on the surgical end effector and bias the lockmember into the unactuated position, and at least one anvil tab on thelock member for contact by a corresponding portion of the anvil as theanvil is moved to the closed position.

Example 92

The surgical end effector of Example 91, wherein each laterally movablelocking portion comprises a locking window configured to retaininglyengage a corresponding portion of the firing member when the lock memberis in the locking position unless an unfired surgical staple cartridgeis supported within the elongate channel.

Example 93

The surgical end effector of Example 92, wherein each correspondingportion of the firing member comprises a laterally protruding lock lugcorresponding to each of the lock windows of the corresponding laterallymovable locking portions and sized to be retainingly received therein inlocking engagement therewith when the lock member is in the lockingposition unless an unfired surgical staple cartridge comprising a camassembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within theelongate channel.

Example 94

The surgical end effector of Example 93, wherein the cam assemblycomprises an unlocking feature corresponding to each laterally movablelocking portion to laterally bias each of the corresponding laterallymovable locking portions out of locking engagement with thecorresponding lock lug when the unfired surgical staple cartridge issupported in the elongate channel and the cam assembly thereof is in theunfired position.

Example 95

The surgical end effector of Examples 90, 91, 92, 93, or 94, wherein thefiring member lockout system comprises at least one lock member andwherein the anvil comprises an anvil body and an anvil mounting portioncomprising a pair of spaced anvil mounting walls, each anvil mountingwall being pivotally supported on the elongate channel, and wherein eachanvil mounting wall movably supports a corresponding one of the lockmembers therein.

Example 96

The surgical end effector of Examples 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 95, whereinthe firing member lockout system comprises at least one lock membermovably coupled to the anvil for travel along a corresponding lock axisthat is transverse to the shaft axis when the anvil is in the closedposition.

Example 97

The surgical end effector of Examples 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, or 96,wherein the surgical end effector further comprises a tissue cuttingsurface on the firing member.

Example 98

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft defining a shaftaxis, an elongate channel operably coupled to the elongate shaft andbeing configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridgetherein, and an anvil supported relative to the elongate channel suchthat the anvil is selectively movable relative to the elongate channelbetween open and closed positions. The surgical instrument furthercomprises a firing member supported for axial travel within the elongatechannel between a starting position and an ending position uponapplications of firing and retraction motions thereto and means forpreventing the firing member from moving from the starting to the endingposition unless the anvil is in the closed position and an unfiredsurgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located inan unfired position is supported within the elongate channel.

Example 99

The surgical instrument of Example 98, wherein the anvil comprises ananvil body and a pair of anvil mounting walls extending from the anvilbody portion. Each anvil mounting wall is pivotally coupled to theelongate channel such that the anvil is selectively movable relative tothe elongate channel between the open and closed positions uponapplication of closing and opening motions to the anvil by a closureportion of the elongate shaft assembly.

Example 100

The surgical instrument of Examples 98 or 99, wherein the means forpreventing comprises a locking member movably supported for travelbetween the unlocked position and the locked position, wherein at leasta portion is configured to hookingly engage a corresponding portion ofthe firing member to prevent the firing member from being advanced fromthe starting position to the ending position and means for biasing thefiring member to the unlocked position.

Example 101

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector, an elongateshaft defining a shaft axis, a closure member, and an articulationjoint. The surgical end effector comprises a first jaw and a second justmovably supported on the first jaw for selective travel between open andclosed positions relative to the first jaw. The closure member ismovably supported on the elongate shaft and is configured to selectivelymove in a closing direction from an open position to closed positionsand in an opening direction from the closed positions to the openposition. The articulation joint couples the surgical end effector tothe elongate shaft such that the surgical end effector is selectivelyarticulatable relative thereto about an articulation axis that istransverse to the shaft axis. The articulation joint comprises anarticulation lock arrangement configured to move from a lockedconfiguration, wherein the surgical end effector is prevented fromarticulating about the articulation axis and an unlocked configurationwherein the surgical end effector is articulatable about thearticulation axis. The articulation lock arrangement moves from thelocked configuration to the unlocked configuration when the closuremember is moved from the open position in the closing direction. Thesurgical instrument further comprises means for applying an articulationmotion to the surgical end effector when the articulation lockarrangement is in the unlocked configuration.

Example 102

The surgical instrument of Example 101, wherein the articulation lockarrangement comprises at least one locking member movable between afirst position corresponding to the unlocked configuration and a secondposition wherein the at least one locking member is in frictionalengagement with a mounting portion of the surgical end effector and adistal end portion of the elongate shaft. The at least one lockingmember operably interfaces with the closure member such that the initialmovement of the closure member in the closing direction causes the atleast one locking member to move from the first position to the secondposition.

Example 103

The surgical instrument of Example 102, wherein the mounting portion ofthe surgical end effector comprises an upstanding mounting columnincluding a plurality of column sides, and wherein the at least onelocking member comprises a locking member corresponding to each of thecolumn sides.

Example 104

The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein the distal end portionof the elongate shaft comprises a pivot hole that defines thearticulation axis, and wherein the upstanding mounting column extendsinto the pivot hole such that each of the locking members is movablysupported within the pivot hole between the corresponding column sideand an internal wall of the pivot hole.

Example 105

The surgical instrument of Example 104, wherein the upstanding mountingcolumn is configured to move the plurality of locking members intofrictional engagement with the internal wall of the pivot hole and thecorresponding column side when the closure member is moved in theclosing direction.

Example 106

The surgical instrument of Example 105, wherein the closure membercomprises a proximal closure member interfacing with a source of closingand opening motions to move the proximal closure member in the closingand opening directions and a distal closure member pivotally coupled tothe proximal closure member by a linkage arrangement, wherein a portionof the linkage arrangement is configured to interface with theupstanding mounting column so as to cause the upstanding mounting columnto move the plurality of locking members into frictional engagement withthe internal wall of the pivot hole and the corresponding columnsidewalls when the closure member is initially moved in the closingdirection.

Example 107

The surgical instrument of Example 106, wherein the linkage arrangementcomprises an upper double pivot link pivotally coupled to the proximalclosure member and the distal closure member and extending therebetweenand a lower double pivot link pivotally coupled to the proximal closuremember and the distal closure member and extending therebetween. Thelower double pivot link is configured to operably interface with theupstanding mounting column to apply a locking motion thereto when thelower double pivot link is initially moved in the closing direction.

Example 108

The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the upstanding mountingcolumn comprises a first end portion attached to a mounting basedadjacent the lower double pivot link, the upstanding column tapering toa free end, wherein a cross-sectional area of the free end is smallerthan another cross-sectional area of the first end portion of thecolumn.

Example 109

The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,or 108, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel configuredto operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein thesecond jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 110

The surgical instrument of Examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,108, or 109, wherein the means for applying an articulation motion tothe surgical end effector comprises means for applying a firstarticulation motion to the surgical end effector to cause the surgicalend effector to articulate about the articulation axis in a firstarticulation direction and means for applying a second articulationmotion to the surgical end effector to cause the surgical end effectorto articulate about the articulation axis in a second articulationdirection.

Example 111

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft comprising a distalend portion and defining a shaft axis, a surgical end effector, anarticulation lock arrangement, and an articulation member. The surgicalend effector comprises an end effector mounting portion, wherein one ofthe distal end portion of the elongate shaft and the end effectormounting portion comprises a pivot hole and the other of the distal endportion of the elongate shaft and the end effector mounting portiondefines an articulation pin pivotally received within the pivot hole anddefining an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis aboutwhich the surgical end effector is articulatable relative to theelongate shaft upon application of articulation motions to the surgicalend effector. The articulation lock arrangement is supported within thepivot hole between the articulation pin and an inner wall of the pivothole. The articulation lock arrangement is movable from a first lockedconfiguration wherein the articulation lock arrangement frictionallyengages the articulation pin and the inner wall of the pivot hole toprevent relative pivotal travel of the articulation pin and the distalend portion of the elongate shaft and an unlocked configuration whereinthe articulation pin and the distal end portion are pivotable relativeto each other. The articulation member interfaces with the surgical endeffector such that actuation of the articulation member causes thearticulation member to apply the articulation motions to the surgicalend effector. The articulation member interfaces with the articulationlock arrangement such that an initial actuation of the articulationmember causes the articulation lock arrangement to move from the lockedconfiguration to the unlocked configuration and upon deactivation of thearticulation member, the articulation lock arrangement moves from theunlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

Example 112

The surgical instrument of Example 111, wherein the articulation lockarrangement comprises a torsion spring supported between thearticulation pin and the inner wall of the pivot hole.

Example 113

The surgical instrument of Example 112, wherein the torsion spring isrotatable from a first position wherein the torsion spring frictionallyengages the articulation pin and the inner wall of the pivot hole toprevent relative pivotal travel of the distal end portion of theelongate shaft and the surgical end effector and positions wherein thetorsion spring does not prevent the relative pivotal travel.

Example 114

The surgical instrument of Examples 111, 112, or 113, wherein thearticulation lock arrangement comprises at least one locking ballmovably supported between the articulation pin and the inner wall of thepivot hole between a first position, wherein each locking ballfrictionally engages the articulation pin and the inner wall of thepivot hole to prevent relative pivotal travel of the distal end portionof the elongate shaft and the surgical end effector and positionswherein each said locking ball does not prevent said relative pivotaltravel.

Example 115

The surgical instrument of Examples 111, 112, 113, or 114, wherein thesurgical end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw supportedfor movable travel relative to the first jaw.

Example 116

The surgical instrument of Example 115, wherein the first jaw comprisesan elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staplecartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 117

The surgical instrument of Examples 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, or 116,wherein the articulation member comprises an axially movablearticulation member that is pivotally linked to the surgical endeffector such that axial movement thereof in a first axial directioncauses the surgical end effector to articulate in a first articulationdirection about the articulation axis and movement of the axiallymovable articulation member in a second axial direction causes thesurgical end effector to articulate in a second articulation directionabout the articulation axis.

Example 118

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector, an elongateshaft defining a shaft axis, closure means, and an articulation joint.The surgical end effector comprises a first jaw movably coupled to theelongate shaft for selective articulation relative thereto about anarticulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and a second jawmovably supported on the first jaw for selective travel between open andclosed positions relative to the first jaw. The closure meansselectively moves the second jaw from the open position to the closedpositions, the closure means being further configured to selectivelymove the second jaw from the closed positions to the open position. Thearticulation joint couples the surgical end effector to the elongateshaft such that the surgical end effector is selectively articulatablerelative thereto about an articulation axis that is transverse to theshaft axis. The articulation joint comprises an articulation lockarrangement configured to move from a locked configuration, wherein thesurgical end effector is prevented from articulating about thearticulation axis and an unlocked configuration wherein the surgical endeffector is articulatable about the articulation axis. The articulationlock arrangement moves from the locked configuration to the unlockedconfiguration when the closure means moves the second jaw from the openposition towards the closed positions. The surgical instrument furthercomprises means for applying an articulation motion to the surgical endeffector when the articulation lock arrangement is in the unlockedconfiguration.

Example 119

The surgical instrument of Example 118, wherein the first jaw comprisesan elongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staplecartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 120

The surgical instrument of Examples 119 or 120, wherein the articulationlock arrangement comprises at least one locking member movable between afirst position corresponding to the unlocked configuration and a secondposition wherein the at least one locking member is in frictionalengagement with a mounting portion of the first jaw and a distal endportion of the elongate shaft. The at least one locking member operablyinterfaces with the closure member such that the initial movement of theclosure member in the closing direction causes the at least one lockingmember to move from the first position to the second position.

Example 121

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft defining a shaftaxis, a surgical end effector, at least one articulation link, and anarticulation lock arrangement. The surgical end effector is coupled tothe elongate shaft for selective articulation relative to the elongateshaft about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis.The at least one articulation link operably interfaces with a source ofarticulation motions and is coupled to the surgical end effector forapplying the articulation motions thereto. The articulation lockarrangement comprises an articulation lock member corresponding to eacharticulation link, each articulation lock member is configured tolaterally move into locking engagement with the correspondingarticulation link from an unlocked position that is laterally adjacentto the corresponding articulation link. The surgical instrument furthercomprises actuation means operably interfacing with each of thearticulation lock members to selectively laterally move eacharticulation lock member from the unlocked position into lockingengagement with the corresponding articulation link.

Example 122

The surgical instrument of Example 121, wherein each at least onearticulation link comprises an articulation gear rack, and wherein thearticulation lock member corresponding thereto comprises a locking gearrack corresponding to each articulation gear rack and is orientedrelative thereto in a lateral confronting relationship for the meshingengagement therewith when the corresponding articulation lock member islaterally advanced toward the articulation link.

Example 123

The surgical instrument of Examples 121 or 122, wherein the at least onearticulation link comprises an axially movable right articulation linkincluding a right articulation gear rack thereon and an axially movableleft articulation link including a left articulation gear rack thereon.The articulation lock member comprises a right articulation lock memberincluding a right locking gear rack that is in lateral confrontingrelationship with the right articulation gear rack for meshingengagement therewith when the right articulation lock member islaterally advanced toward the right articulation link and a leftarticulation lock member including a left locking gear rack that is inlateral confronting relationship with the left articulation gear rackfor meshing engagement therewith when the left articulation lock memberis laterally advanced toward the left articulation link.

Example 124

The surgical instrument of Example 123, wherein the actuation meanscomprises a locking actuator movably positioned relative to the rightarticulation lock member and the left articulation lock member such thataxial movement of the locking actuator in a first axial direction causesthe right articulation lock member to move laterally toward the rightarticulation link so as to bring the right locking gear rack intolocking engagement with the right articulation gear rack and the leftarticulation lock member to move laterally toward the left articulationlink so as to bring the left locking gear rack into locking engagementwith the left articulation gear rack.

Example 125

The surgical instrument of Examples 121, 122, 123, or 124, wherein thesource of articulations motions comprises an axially movable firingactuator configured to selectively apply firing motions to acorresponding portion of the surgical end effector and an articulationtransmission operably interfacing with the axially movable firingactuator and the at least one articulation link such that actuation ofthe axially movable firing actuator in a first axial firing directionmoves the at least one articulation link in a first axial articulationdirection and movement of the axially movable firing actuator in asecond axial retraction direction moves the at least one articulationlink in a second axial articulation direction.

Example 126

The surgical instrument of Examples 123 or 124, wherein the source ofarticulation motions comprises an axially movable firing actuatorconfigured to selectively apply firing motions to a correspondingportion of the surgical end effector and an articulation transmissionoperably interfacing with the right and left articulation links and theaxially movable firing member such that actuation of the axially movablefiring actuator in a first axial firing direction moves the rightarticulation link in the first axial direction and the left articulationlink in a second axial direction and movement of the axially movablefiring actuator in the second axial direction moves the rightarticulation link in the second axial direction and the leftarticulation link in the first axial direction.

Example 127

The surgical instrument of Example 126, wherein the articulation lockarrangement further comprises a locking actuator movably positionedrelative to the right articulation lock member and the left articulationlock member such that axial movement of the locking actuator in thefirst axial direction causes the right articulation lock member to movelaterally toward the right articulation link so as to bring the rightlocking gear rack into locking engagement with the right articulationgear rack and the left articulation lock member to move laterally towardthe left articulation link so as to bring the left locking gear intolocking engagement with the left articulation gear rack.

Example 128

The surgical instrument of Example 127, wherein the articulationtransmission comprises a gear assembly in meshing engagement with theright and left articulation links and a shifter configured for selectivemeshing engagement with the gear assembly and the axially movable firingactuator. The shifter is configured for selective operable engagementwith the locking actuator such that when the shifter is in operableengagement with the locking actuator, the shifter is moved into meshingengagement with the axially movable firing actuator and the gearassembly and movement of the shifter out of operable engagement with thelocking actuator also moves the shifter out of meshing engagement withthe gear assembly and the axially movable firing actuator.

Example 129

The surgical instrument of Example 125, wherein the correspondingportion of the surgical end effector comprises a firing member attachedto the axially movable firing actuator. The firing member is supportedfor axial travel through the surgical end effector between a startingand ending position therein.

Example 130

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft defining a shaftaxis, a surgical end effector, a firing actuator, at least onearticulation link configured for selective operable engagement with thefiring actuator, and an articulation lock arrangement. The surgical endeffector is coupled to the elongate shaft for selective articulationrelative to the elongate shaft about an articulation axis that istransverse to the shaft axis. The firing actuator is selectively axiallymovable in first and second axial directions to apply firing motions toa firing member operably supported in the surgical end effector. Axialmovement of the firing actuator is transmitted to each of the at leastone articulation links. The articulation lock arrangement is configuredto laterally move between a locked configuration, wherein each of the atleast one articulation links are non-movably locked in position and anunlocked configuration, and wherein each of the at least onearticulation links are movable in response to movement of the firingactuator. The articulation lock arrangement interfaces with the firingactuator such that when the articulation lock arrangement is in theunlocked configuration, the firing actuator is in operable engagementwith each of the at least one articulation links and when thearticulation lock arrangement is in the locked configuration, each ofthe at least one articulation links is prevented from operableengagement with the firing actuator.

Example 131

The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the articulation lockarrangement comprises an articulation lock member corresponding to eacharticulation link. Each articulation lock member is configured tolaterally move into locking engagement with the correspondingarticulation link from an unlocked position that is laterally adjacentto the corresponding articulation link.

Example 132

The surgical instrument of Example 131, wherein each of the at least onearticulation link comprises an articulation gear rack and wherein eachcorresponding articulation lock member comprises a locking gear rackoriented relative to the articulation gear rack of the correspondingarticulation link in lateral confronting relationship relative theretofor meshing engagement therewith when the articulation lock member islaterally advanced toward the corresponding articulation link.

Example 133

The surgical instrument of Example 132, wherein the at least onearticulation link comprises an axially movable right articulation linkincluding a right articulation gear rack thereon and an axially movableleft articulation link including a left articulation gear rack thereon.The articulation lock member comprises a right articulation lock memberincluding a right locking gear rack that is in lateral confrontingrelationship with the right articulation gear rack for meshingengagement therewith when the right articulation lock member islaterally advanced toward the right articulation link and a leftarticulation lock member including a left locking gear rack that is inlateral confronting relationship with the left articulation gear rackfor meshing engagement therewith when the left articulation lock memberis laterally advanced toward the left articulation link.

Example 134

The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, or 133, wherein thesurgical end effector comprises a firing member coupled to the firingactuator and supported for axial travel through the surgical endeffector.

Example 135

The surgical instrument of Example 134, wherein the surgical endeffector comprises an elongate channel configured to operably support asurgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil movably supported on theelongate channel for selective movement between open and closedpositions. The elongate channel is coupled to the elongate shaft forselective articulation relative thereto about the articulation axis. Thefiring member comprises a tissue cutting feature.

Example 136

The surgical instrument of Example 133, wherein the surgical instrumentfurther comprises an articulation transmission operably interfacing withthe right and left articulation links and the axially movable firingactuator such that actuation of the axially movable firing actuator in afirst axial firing direction moves the right articulation link in thefirst axial direction and the left articulation link in a second axialdirection and movement of the axially movable firing actuator in thesecond axial direction moves the right articulation link in the secondaxial direction and the left articulation link in the first axialdirection.

Example 137

The surgical instrument of Examples 133 or 136, wherein the articulationlock arrangement further comprises a locking actuator movably positionedrelative to the right articulation lock member and the left articulationlock member such that axial movement of the locking actuator in a firstaxial direction causes the right articulation lock member to movelaterally toward the right articulation link so as to bring the rightlocking gear rack into locking engagement with the right articulationgear rack and the left articulation lock member to move laterally towardthe left articulation link so as to bring the left locking gear intolocking engagement with the left articulation gear rack.

Example 138

The surgical instrument of Example 136, wherein the articulationtransmission comprises a gear assembly in meshing engagement with theright and left articulation links and a shifter configured for selectivemeshing engagement with the gear assembly and the axially movable firingactuator. The shifter is configured for selective operable engagementwith the locking actuator such that when the shifter is in operableengagement with the locking actuator, the shifter is moved into meshingengagement with the axially movable firing actuator and the gearassembly. When the shifter is out of operable engagement with thelocking actuator, the shifter is moved out of meshing engagement withthe gear assembly and the axially movable firing actuator.

Example 139

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft defining a shaftaxis, a surgical end effector coupled to the elongate shaft forselective articulation relative to the elongate shaft about anarticulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis, means forgenerating axial firing motions, and articulation means. Thearticulation means interface with the means for generating and thearticulation means are configured to apply articulation motions to thesurgical end effector in response to the axial firing motions generatedby the means for generating. The surgical instrument further comprisesmeans for selectively locking the articulation means in a non-movableconfiguration and unlocking the articulation means and operably couplingthe articulation means with the means for generating such that the meansfor generating may apply the axial firing motions to the articulationmeans.

Example 140

The surgical instrument of Example 139, wherein the surgical endeffector comprises an elongate channel configured to operably support asurgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil movably supported on theelongate channel for selective movement between open and closedpositions. The elongate channel is coupled to the elongate shaft forselective articulation relative thereto about the articulation axis. Thefiring member comprises a tissue cutting feature.

Example 141

A surgical tool assembly comprising an elongate shaft defining a shaftaxis, a surgical end effector coupled to the elongate shaft forselective articulation relative to the elongate shaft about anarticulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis, a firstarticulation link, a second articulation link, and an articulationstroke multiplier. The first articulation link operably interfaces witha source of articulation motions to selectively axially move the firstarticulation link a first axial distance in a first articulationdirection. The second articulation link operably interfaces with thesurgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. Thearticulation stroke multiplier operably interfaces with the firstarticulation link and the second articulation link such that when thefirst articulation link is axially moved the first axial distance in thefirst axial direction, the articulation stroke multiplier moves thesecond articulation link another first axial distance in the first axialdirection that is greater than the first axial distance.

Example 142

The surgical tool assembly of Example 141, wherein the source ofarticulation motions is configured to additionally axially move thefirst articulation link a second axial distance in a second axialdirection and wherein when the first articulation link is moved thesecond axial distance in the second axial direction, the articulationstroke multiplier moves the second articulation link another secondaxial distance in the second axial direction that is greater than thesecond axial distance.

Example 143

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 141 or 142, wherein the firstarticulation link comprises a first articulation gear rack, wherein thesecond articulation link comprises a second articulation gear rack, andwherein the articulation stroke multiplier comprises at least one gearset in meshing engagement with the first and second articulation gearracks.

Example 144

The surgical tool assembly of Example 143, wherein each of the at leastone gear set comprises a first gear rotatably supported in meshingengagement with the first articulation gear rack and a first gearrotatably supported in meshing engagement with the first articulationgear rack.

Example 145

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 141, 142, 143, or 144, whereinthe second articulation link operably interfaces with an articulationlock assembly that is operably coupled to the surgical end effector.

Example 146

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145,wherein the first articulation link comprises a first articulation gearrack and wherein the articulation stroke multiplier comprises a swinggear in meshing engagement with the first articulation gear rack andslidably coupled to the second articulation link.

Example 147

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, or 146,wherein the swing gear is supported for rotational travel about a swinggear mounting axis that is transverse to the first and secondarticulation links.

Example 148

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 146 or 147, wherein the secondarticulation link comprises a slotted distal end slidably engaging aportion of the swing gear therein.

Example 149

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 146, 147, or 148, wherein theswing gear has a slot therein configured to slidably engage a distal endportion of the second articulation link.

Example 150

A surgical tool assembly comprising an elongate shaft defining a shaftaxis, a surgical end effector, a first articulation link, a secondarticulation link, and an articulation stroke multiplier. The surgicalend effector comprises an elongate channel configured to operablysupport a surgical staple cartridge therein and coupled to the elongateshaft for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft about anarticulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and an anvilmovably supported on the elongate channel. The first articulation linkoperably interfaces with a source of articulation motions to selectivelyaxially move the first articulation link a first axial distance in afirst articulation direction. The second articulation link operablyinterfaces with the surgical end effector to apply articulation motionsthereto. The articulation stroke multiplier operably interfaces with thefirst articulation link and the second articulation link such that whenthe first articulation link is axially moved the first axial distance inthe first axial direction. The articulation stroke multiplier moves thesecond articulation link another first axial distance in the first axialdirection that is greater than the first axial distance.

Example 151

The surgical tool assembly of Example 150, wherein the source ofarticulation motions comprises a firing member assembly operablyinterfacing with a firing member that is supported for axial travelwithin the elongate channel and a clutch assembly operably interfacingwith the first articulation link and the firing member assembly andbeing selectively configurable between a firing mode, wherein axialmovement of the firing member assembly is applied to the firing memberand an articulation mode, and wherein the axial movement of the firingmember assembly is applied to the first articulation link.

Example 152

The surgical tool assembly of Example 151, wherein when the clutchassembly is in the articulation mode, the firing member assembly isconfigured to additionally axially move the first articulation link asecond axial distance in a second axial direction and wherein when thefirst articulation link is moved the second axial distance in the secondaxial direction, the articulation stroke multiplier moves the secondarticulation link another second axial distance in the second axialdirection that is greater than the secondary axial distance.

Example 153

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 151 or 152, wherein the firstarticulation link comprises a first articulation gear rack, wherein thesecond articulation link comprises a second articulation gear rack, andwherein the articulation stroke multiplier comprises at least one gearset in meshing engagement with the first and second articulation gearracks.

Example 154

The surgical tool assembly of Example 153, wherein each of the at leastone gear set comprises a first gear rotatably supported in meshingengagement with the first articulation gear rack and a second gearattached to the first gear for rotation therewith. The second gear has alarger diameter than a diameter of the first gear, and the second gearis in meshing engagement with the second articulation gear rack.

Example 155

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 151, 152, 153, or 154, whereinthe second articulation link operably interfaces with an articulationlock assembly that is operably coupled to the surgical end effector.

Example 156

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 151, 152, 153, 154, or 155,wherein the first articulation link comprises a first articulation gearrack and wherein the articulation stroke multiplier comprises a swinggear in meshing engagement with the first articulation gear rack andslidably coupled to the second articulation link.

Example 157

The surgical tool assembly of Example 156, wherein the swing gear issupported for rotational travel about a swing gear mounting axis that istransverse to the first and second articulation links.

Example 158

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 156 or 157, wherein the secondarticulation link comprises a slotted distal end slidably engaging aportion of the swing gear therein.

Example 159

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 156, 157, or 158, wherein theswing gear has a slot therein configured to slidably engage a distal endportion of the second articulation link.

Example 160

A surgical tool assembly comprising an elongate shaft defining a shaftaxis, a surgical end effector, a first articulation link, a secondarticulation link, and an articulation stroke multiplying means. Thesurgical end effector is coupled to the elongate shaft for selectivearticulation relative to the elongate shaft about an articulation axisthat is transverse to the shaft axis. A first articulation link operablyinterfaces with a source of articulation motions to selectively axiallymove the first articulation link a first axial distance in a firstarticulation direction. A second articulation link operably interfaceswith the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto.The articulation stroke multiplying means operably interfaces with thefirst articulation link and the second articulation link to move thesecond articulation a second axial distance in response to movement ofthe first articulation link a first axial distance that is less than thesecond axial distance.

Example 161

A surgical tool assembly comprising an elongate shaft assembly defininga shaft axis, a surgical end effector, and a distal articulation member.The surgical end effector is movably coupled to the elongate shaftassembly by a distal support link that is pivotally coupled to thesurgical end effector to define an articulation axis that is transverseto the shaft axis. The distal support link is pivotally and axiallymovably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly to facilitate selectivearticulation of the surgical end effector relative to the elongate shaftassembly about the articulation axis between a first unarticulatedposition, wherein the surgical end effector is aligned with the elongateshaft assembly along the shaft axis and articulation positions locatedon one side of the shaft axis. The distal articulation member operablyinterfaces with a source of articulation motions and is pivotallycoupled to the surgical end effector to apply the articulation motionsthereto.

Example 162

The surgical tool assembly of Example 161, wherein the distalarticulation member is configured to axially move on the one side of theshaft axis in response to the articulation motions applied thereto andwherein the distal support link is configured to axially move relativeto the elongate shaft assembly along the shaft axis.

Example 163

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161 or 162, wherein the distalsupport link comprises a distal end pivotally coupled to the surgicalend effector for pivotal travel about the articulation axis and aproximal end comprising a proximal axial slot configured to receive acorresponding articulation pin therein that is attached to a distal endof elongate shaft assembly.

Example 164

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161, 162, or 163, wherein thesurgical tool assembly further comprises a proximal articulation memberoperably interfacing with the source of articulation motions and anarticulation lock assembly operably coupled to the proximal articulationmember and a proximal end of the distal articulation member toselectively lock the distal articulation member in an axial position.

Example 165

The surgical tool assembly of Example 164, wherein the proximal end ofthe distal articulation member is pivotally coupled to the articulationlock assembly.

Example 166

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161, 162, 163, 164, or 165,wherein the distal support link is pivotally and axially movably coupledto a distal spine member of the elongate shaft assembly.

Example 167

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, or 166,wherein the surgical end effector comprises an elongate channelconfigured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein andan anvil movably supported on the elongate channel for selectivemovement relative thereto between an open position and closed positions.

Example 168

The surgical tool assembly of Example 167 wherein the elongate channelis pivotally coupled to the distal support link by an end effectormounting assembly coupled to the elongate channel.

Example 169

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166,167, or 168, wherein the distal articulation member is configured toaxially move in first and second axial directions such that when thedistal articulation member is moved in the first axial direction, thesurgical end effector is articulated in a first articulation directionfrom the first unarticulated position to any one of the articulationpositions, and when the distal articulation member is axially moved inthe second axial direction, the surgical end effector is moved in asecond articulation direction from any one of the articulation positionsto the first unarticulated position.

Example 170

The surgical tool assembly of Example 169, wherein the surgical toolassembly further comprises means for preventing movement of the surgicalend effector in the second articulation direction beyond the firstunarticulated position when the distal articulation member is moved inthe second axial direction.

Example 171

A surgical tool assembly comprising an elongate shaft assembly defininga shaft axis, a surgical end effector, a distal support link, and adistal articulation member. The surgical end effector comprises anelongate channel configured to operably support a surgical staplecartridge therein and an anvil supported for movable travel relative tothe surgical staple cartridge. The distal support link is pivotallycoupled to the elongate channel to define an articulation axis that istransverse to the shaft axis and about which the elongate channel mayarticulate relative to the elongate shaft assembly. The distal supportlink is attached to a distal end of the elongate shaft assembly foraxial and pivotal travel relative thereto along the shaft axis. Thedistal articulation member is supported for axial travel on one side ofthe shaft axis, the distal articulation member being pivotally coupledto the elongate channel and operably interfacing with a source ofarticulation motions.

Example 172

The surgical tool assembly of Example 171, wherein a proximal end of thedistal support link comprises a proximal axial slot that is configuredto receive a corresponding articulation pin therein that is attached tothe distal end of said elongate shaft assembly.

Example 173

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 171 or 172, wherein the surgicaltool assembly further comprises a proximal articulation member operablyinterfacing with the source of articulation motions and an articulationlock assembly operably coupled to the proximal articulation member and aproximal end of the distal articulation member to selectively lock thedistal articulation member in an axial position.

Example 174

The surgical tool assembly of Example 173, wherein the proximal end ofthe distal articulation member is pivotally coupled to the articulationlock assembly.

Example 175

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 171, 172, 173, or 174, whereinthe distal support link is pivotally and axially movably coupled to adistal spine member of the elongate shaft assembly.

Example 176

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 171, 172, 173, 174, or 175,wherein the distal articulation member is configured to move in firstand second axial directions such that when the distal articulationmember is moved in the first axial direction, the surgical end effectoris articulated in a first articulation direction from the firstunarticulated position to any one of the articulation positions and whenthe distal articulation member is moved in the second axial direction,the surgical end effector is moved in a second articulation directionfrom any one of the articulation positions to the first unarticulatedposition.

Example 177

The surgical tool assembly of Example 176, wherein the surgical toolassembly further comprises means for preventing movement of the surgicalend effector in the second articulation direction beyond the firstunarticulated position when the distal articulation member is moved inthe second axial direction.

Example 178

A surgical tool assembly comprising an elongate shaft assembly defininga shaft axis, means for coupling a surgical end effector to a distal endof the elongate shaft assembly such that the surgical end effector maybe selectively articulated about an articulation axis that is transverseto the shaft axis between an unarticulated position wherein the surgicalend effector is aligned with the elongate shaft along the shaft axis andarticulation positions located on one side of the shaft axis, and meansfor applying articulation motions to the surgical end effector. Themeans for coupling are coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for axialand pivotal travel relative thereto.

Example 179

The surgical tool assembly of Example 178, wherein the means forapplying is pivotally coupled to the surgical end effector at a locationthat is laterally offset from the shaft axis.

Example 180

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 178 or 179, wherein the means forapplying further comprises means for selectively locking the surgicalend effector in any one of the articulation positions.

Example 181

A surgical staple cartridge is configured to be supported within a jawof a surgical end effector wherein at least one jaw of the surgical endeffector is movable relative to a second jaw of the surgical endeffector between open and closed positions. The surgical end effectorincludes a lock member that is moved from an unlocked configuration to alocked configuration when the at least one jaw is moved to the closedposition to prevent axial travel of a firing member through the surgicalend effector. The surgical end effector comprises a cartridge body sizedto be seated within the surgical end effector, the cartridge bodyoperably supporting a plurality of surgical staples arranged in staplelines therein and a cam assembly. The cam assembly is movable between astarting position and an ending position within the cartridge body, thecam assembly defining a central axis and a plurality of cam featuresthereon wherein each cam feature corresponds to at least one of thestaple lines. The cam assembly further comprises at least one unlockingfeature thereon that is laterally offset from the central axis and isconfigured to unlockingly engage a corresponding portion of the lockmember when the cartridge body is seated within the surgical endeffector and the cam assembly is in the starting position to therebyprevent the locking member from attaining the locked configuration whenthe at least one jaw is moved to the closed position.

Example 182

The surgical staple cartridge of Example 181, wherein the at least oneunlocking feature comprises a first unlocking ramp formed on a proximalend of the cam assembly in a position that is laterally offset to oneside of the central axis and a second unlocking ramp formed on theproximal end of the cam assembly in another position that is laterallyoffset on an opposite side of the central axis.

Example 183

The surgical staple cartridge of Examples 181 or 182, wherein eachunlocking feature is configured to bias the lock member into theunlocked configuration.

Example 184

The surgical staple cartridge of Example 182, wherein the proximal endof the cam assembly defines a central contact area located between thefirst and second unlocking ramps that is configured for engagement bythe firing member as the firing member is axially advanced through thesurgical end effector.

Example 185

A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, an anvil, a firingmember, a lock member, and a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil issupported relative to the first jaw for selective movement relative tothe first jaw between an open position and a closed position relative toeach other. The firing member is supported for axial movement within theend effector between a beginning position and an ending position uponapplications of firing and retraction motions thereto. The lock memberis movable between a locked configuration wherein the firing member isprevented from axial travel through the surgical end effector and anunlocked configuration wherein the firing member is axially advanceablethrough the surgical end effector. The surgical staple cartridgecomprises a cartridge body and a cam assembly. The cartridge body issized to be seated within the first jaw, the cartridge body operablysupporting a plurality of surgical staples arranged in staple linestherein. The cam assembly is movable between a starting position and anend position within the cartridge body, the cam assembly defining acentral axis and comprising a plurality of cam features thereon whereineach cam feature corresponds to at least one of the staple lines. Thecam assembly further comprises at least one unlocking feature thereonlaterally offset from the central axis and being configured tounlockingly engage a corresponding portion of the lock member when thecartridge body is seated within the first jaw and the cam assembly is inthe starting position to thereby prevent the lock member from attainingthe locked configuration when the anvil is moved to the closed position.

Example 186

The surgical end effector of Example 185, wherein the at least oneunlocking feature comprises a first unlocking ramp formed on a proximalend of the cam assembly in a position that is laterally offset to oneside of the central axis and a second unlocking ramp formed on theproximal end of the cam assembly in another position that is laterallyoffset on an opposite side of the central axis.

Example 187

The surgical end effector of Examples 185 or 186, wherein the anvil isconfigured to move the lock member in a first direction into lockingengagement with the firing member when the anvil is moved to the closedposition and wherein each unlocking feature is configured to bias thecorresponding portion of the lock member in a second direction that isopposite to the first direction.

Example 188

The surgical end effector of Example 186, wherein the proximal end ofthe cam assembly defines a central contact area located between thefirst and second unlocking ramps that is configured for engagement bythe firing member as the firing member is axially advanced through thesurgical end effector.

Example 189

The surgical end effector of Examples 181, 182, 183, or 184, wherein thesurgical staple cartridge comprises an elongate slot configured toslidably receive the firing member therein as the firing member is movedbetween the beginning and ending positions and wherein the lock memberis configured to axially align the firing member with the elongate slot.

Example 190

The surgical end effector of Examples 185, 186, 187, or 188, wherein thefiring member comprises two lateral sides and wherein the lock member isconfigured to retainingly engage each lateral side of the firing memberwhen the lock member is in the locked configuration.

Example 191

The surgical end effector of Example 190, wherein the lock membercomprises a spring arm corresponding to each lateral side of the firingmember and a lock notch in each spring arm configured to releasablyengage a corresponding lock lug on each lateral side of the firingmember.

Example 192

The surgical end effector of Examples 185, 186, 187, 188, 190, or 191,wherein the surgical end effector further comprises a tissue cuttingsurface on the firing member.

Example 193

The surgical end effector of Examples 185, 186, 187, 188, 190, 191, or192, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body, an axial slot in theanvil body to permit a portion of the firing member to axially passtherethrough, and an axial passage within the anvil body on each side ofthe axial slot.

Example 194

The surgical end effector of Example 193, wherein the firing membercomprises a foot configured to slidably pass within a correspondingpassage within the first jaw and laterally extending anvil engagementfeatures extending laterally from a top portion of the firing memberbody and configured to pass through a corresponding one of the axialpassages within the anvil body and wherein the first and secondengagement features are located between the foot and the anvilengagement features.

Example 195

A surgical staple cartridge is configured to be supported within a jawof a surgical end effector that defines a shaft axis and wherein atleast one jaw of the surgical end effector is movable relative to asecond jaw of the surgical end effector between open and closedpositions. The surgical end effector includes a lock member that ismovable between a locked configuration wherein a firing member isprevented from axial travel through the surgical end effector and anunlocked configuration wherein the firing member is axially advanceablethrough the surgical end effector. The surgical staple cartridgecomprises a cartridge body sized to be seated within the one jaw of thesurgical end effector, the cartridge body operably supporting aplurality of surgical staples arranged in staple rows therein and staplecamming means for camming the staples out of the cartridge body as thecamming means is axially moved within the cartridge body from a startingposition to an ending position. The staple camming means is configuredto unlockingly engage at least one corresponding portion of the lockmember that is laterally offset from the shaft axis when the cartridgebody is seated within the jaw of the surgical end effector and thestaple camming means is in the starting position to thereby prevent thelocking member from attaining the locked configuration when the at leastone jaw is moved to the closed position.

Example 196

A method comprises obtaining a first staple cartridge having a first rowof staples and obtaining a second staple cartridge having a second rowof staples, wherein the first row of staples and the second row ofstaples comprise the same length. The method further comprises insertingthe first staple cartridge into a channel comprising a keyed profile,wherein complete insertion of the first staple cartridge into thechannel is prevented by an interference between the keyed profile andthe channel and inserting the second staple cartridge into the channel,wherein complete insertion of the second staple cartridge into thechannel is permitted by the keyed profile.

Example 197

The method of Example 196, wherein inserting the second staple cartridgeinto the channel further comprises aligning key features on the secondstaple cartridge with the keyed profile on the channel.

Example 198

The method of Examples 196 or 197, wherein the method further comprisesa bottom surface of the first staple cartridge being spaced apart fromthe channel when the first staple cartridge is inserted into thechannel.

Example 199

The method of Example 198, wherein the method further comprises a bottomsurface of the second staple cartridge being positioned against thechannel when the second staple cartridge is inserted into the channel.

Example 200

The method of Examples 196, 197, 198, or 199, wherein the method furthercomprises a proximal portion of the first staple cartridge obstructingclamping of an anvil against a distal portion of the first staplecartridge when the first staple cartridge is inserted into the channel.

Example 201

The method of Examples 196, 197, 198, 199, or 200, wherein the methodfurther comprises a firing lockout of the first staple cartridgepreventing a firing stroke when the first staple cartridge is insertedinto the channel.

Example 202

A method comprising obtaining a first staple cartridge comprising afirst quantity of staples and obtaining a second staple cartridgecomprising the first quantity of staples. The method further comprisesinserting the first staple cartridge into a channel comprising a keyedprofile, wherein the complete insertion of the first staple cartridgeinto the channel is prevented by the keyed profile and inserting thefirst staple cartridge into a channel comprising a keyed profile,wherein the complete insertion of the first staple cartridge into thechannel is prevented by the keyed profile.

Example 203

The method of Example 202, wherein inserting the second staple cartridgeinto the channel further comprises aligning key features on the secondstaple cartridge with the keyed profile on the channel.

Example 204

The method of Examples 202 or 203, wherein the method further comprisesa bottom surface of the first staple cartridge being spaced apart fromthe channel when the first staple cartridge is inserted into thechannel.

Example 205

The method of Example 204, wherein the method further comprises a bottomsurface of the first staple cartridge being spaced apart from thechannel when the first staple cartridge is inserted into the channel.

Example 206

The method of Examples 202, 203, 204, or 205, wherein the method furthercomprises the first staple cartridge obstructing clamping of an anvilagainst the first staple cartridge when the first staple cartridge isinserted into the channel.

Example 207

The method of Examples 202, 203, 204, 205, or 206, wherein the methodfurther comprises a firing lockout of the first staple cartridgepreventing a firing stroke when the first staple cartridge is insertedinto the channel.

Example 208

A method comprises obtaining a channel, obtaining a compatible staplecartridge comprising a proximal alignment protrusion and a distalalignment protrusion, and aligning the proximal alignment protrusionwith a corresponding proximal alignment feature in a channel. The methodfurther comprises aligning the distal alignment protrusion with acorresponding distal alignment feature in the channel and inserting thecompatible staple cartridge into the channel such that the proximalalignment protrusion interlocks with the corresponding proximalalignment feature and the distal alignment protrusion interlocks withthe corresponding distal alignment feature.

Example 209

The method of Example 208, wherein the method further comprises a bottomsurface of the compatible staple cartridge being positioned against thechannel when the compatible staple cartridge is inserted into thechannel.

Example 210

The method of Examples 208 or 209, wherein the method further comprisesa firing lockout of the compatible staple cartridge preventing a firingstroke until the compatible staple cartridge is inserted into thechannel.

Example 211

The method of Examples 208, 209, or 210, wherein the method furthercomprises attempting to insert an incompatible staple cartridge into thechannel, wherein the incompatible staple cartridge further comprises aninterference feature relative to the corresponding proximal alignmentfeature on the channel.

Example 212

The method of Example 211, wherein the method further comprises a bottomsurface of the incompatible staple cartridge being spaced apart from thechannel when the incompatible staple cartridge is inserted into thechannel.

Example 213

The method of Example 212, wherein the method further comprises aproximal portion of the incompatible staple cartridge obstructingclamping of an anvil against a distal portion of the incompatible staplecartridge when the incompatible staple cartridge is inserted into thechannel.

Example 214

The method of Examples 211, 212, or 213, wherein the method furthercomprises a lockout preventing at least one surgical function when theincompatible staple cartridge is positioned in the channel.

Example 215

The method of Examples 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, or 214, wherein thechannel comprises a jaw of an end effector, and the method furthercomprises matching a classifying indication on the end effector with aclassifying indication on the compatible staple cartridge.

Example 216

A system comprising a replaceable staple cartridge and a channelconfigured to receive the replaceable staple cartridge. The replaceablestaple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples, a firstdownwardly-protruding tab, and a second downwardly-protruding tab. Thechannel comprises a first receptacle positioned and dimensioned toreceive the first downwardly-protruding tab and a second receptaclepositioned and dimensioned to receive the second downwardly-protrudingtab.

Example 217

The system of Example 216, wherein the replaceable staple cartridgefurther comprises a cartridge body and a pan positioned around a portionof the cartridge body, wherein the pan further comprises a base, andwherein the first downwardly-protruding tab and the seconddownwardly-protruding tab protrude from the base.

Example 218

The system of Example 217, wherein the first downwardly-protruding taband the second downwardly-protruding tab are comprised of metal.

Example 219

The system of Examples 216, 217, or 218, wherein the replaceable staplecartridge further comprises a first laterally-extending lug and a secondlaterally-extending lug.

Example 220

The system of Example 219, wherein the replaceable staple cartridgefurther comprises a first sidewall comprising a first cutout, whereinthe first cutout is positioned and dimensioned to receive the firstlaterally-extending lug and a second sidewall comprising a secondcutout, wherein the second cutout is positioned and dimensioned toreceive the second laterally-extending lug.

Example 221

The system of Example 220, wherein the replaceable staple cartridgefurther comprises a molded cartridge body, and wherein the firstlaterally-extending lug and the second laterally-extending lug aremolded features of the molded cartridge body.

Example 222

The system of Example 221, wherein the cartridge body is comprised of aplastic material.

Example 223

The system of Examples 219, 220, 221, or 222, wherein the firstlaterally-extending lug and the second laterally-extending lug arelocated distal to the first downwardly-protruding tab and seconddownwardly-protruding tab.

Example 224

A system comprising a replaceable staple cartridge and a channelconfigured to receive the replaceable staple cartridge. The replaceablestaple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and an outer surfacecomprising a plurality of ribs. The channel comprises a plurality ofslots, wherein each of the slots is configured to receive one of theribs.

Example 225

The system of Example 224, wherein the plurality of ribs comprises afirst rib and a second rib.

Example 226

The system of Example 225, wherein the plurality of slots comprises afirst slot and a second slot, and wherein the channel further comprisesa first sidewall comprising the first slot and a second sidewallcomprising the second slot.

Example 227

The system of Examples 224, 225, or 226, wherein the replaceable staplecartridge further comprises a molded cartridge body, and wherein theribs are molded features of the molded cartridge body.

Example 228

The system of Examples 224, 225, 226, or 227, wherein the replaceablestaple cartridge further comprises a first laterally-extending lug and asecond laterally-extending lug.

Example 229

The system of Examples 224, 225, 226, 227, or 228, wherein the channelfurther comprises a first sidewall comprising a first cutout, whereinthe first cutout is positioned and dimensioned to receive the firstlaterally-extending lug and a second sidewall comprising a secondcutout, wherein the second cutout is positioned and dimensioned toreceive the second laterally-extending lug.

Example 230

The system of Example 229, wherein the replaceable staple cartridgefurther comprises a molded cartridge body, and wherein the firstlaterally-extending lug and the second laterally-extending lug aremolded in the molded cartridge body.

Example 231

The system of Example 230, wherein the molded cartridge body iscomprised of a plastic material.

Example 232

The system of Example 231, wherein the first laterally-extending lug andthe second laterally-extending lug are located distal to the rubs.

Example 233

A system comprising a compatible staple cartridge comprising a pluralityof staples and a channel. The system further comprises means forpermitting complete insertion of the compatible staple cartridge and forpreventing an incompatible staple cartridge from being completelyinserted in the channel, wherein the incompatible staple cartridge andthe compatible staple cartridge comprise the same length and the samewidth.

Example 234

The system of Example 233, wherein the means comprises proximal anddistal alignment keys.

Example 235

The system of Examples 233 or 234, wherein the system further comprisesa second channel, and wherein the incompatible staple cartridge iscompatible with the second channel.

Example 236

A system comprising a replaceable staple cartridge and a channelconfigured to receive the replaceable staple cartridge. The replaceablestaple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples, a proximallaterally-protruding lug, and a distal laterally-protruding lug. Thechannel comprises a sidewall comprising a proximal receptacle positionedand dimensioned to receive the proximal laterally-protruding lug and adistal receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive the distallaterally-protruding lug.

Example 237

The system of Example 236, wherein the channel further comprises anobstruction, and wherein the replaceable staple cartridge furthercomprises a complementary anti-obstruction positioned and dimensioned toovercome the obstruction.

Example 238

The system of Example 237, wherein the system further comprises a secondreplaceable staple cartridge comprising a non-complementaryanti-obstruction positioned and dimensioned to interfere with theobstruction.

Example 239

The system of Examples 236, 237, or 238, wherein the proximal receptacledefines a cutout in the sidewall, and wherein the cutout comprises adepression and a projection.

Example 240

The system of Example 239, wherein the projection is positioned withinthe depression.

Example 241

The system of Examples 236, 237, 238, 239, or 240, wherein the systemfurther comprises a second replaceable staple cartridge comprising asecond plurality of staples, a second proximal laterally-protruding lug,and a second distal laterally-protruding lug.

Example 242

The system of Example 241, wherein the second distallaterally-protruding lug is spaced apart from the second proximallaterally-protruding lug by a distance, and wherein the distance isdifferent than a first distance between the proximallaterally-protruding lug and the distal laterally-protruding lug of thereplaceable staple cartridge.

Example 243

The system of Examples 241 or 242, wherein the second distallaterally-protruding lug matches the distal laterally-protruding lug,and wherein the second proximal laterally-protruding lug is differentthan the proximal laterally protruding-lug.

Example 244

The system of Examples 241, 242, or 243, wherein the second replaceablestaple cartridge further comprises a deck, wherein the channel furthercomprises a bottom surface, and wherein the deck is obliquely orientedrelative to the bottom surface when the second replaceable staplecartridge is positioned in the channel.

Example 245

The system of Examples 241, 242, 243, or 244, wherein the replaceablestaple cartridge and the second replaceable staple cartridge comprisethe same width and the same length.

Example 246

The system of Examples 241, 242, 243, 244, or 245, wherein the pluralityof staples and the second plurality of staples comprise the samequantity of staples.

Example 247

The system of Examples 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245,or 246, wherein the distal laterally-protruding lug comprises adifferent geometry than the proximal laterally-protruding lug.

Example 248

The system of Example 247, wherein the proximal laterally-protruding lugcomprises a wedge.

Example 249

The system of Examples 247 or 248, wherein the proximallaterally-protruding lug comprises a cutout that matches a projection inthe proximal receptacle.

Example 250

The system of Examples 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245,246, 247, 248, or 249, wherein the proximal laterally-protruding lugprotrudes from a first side of the replaceable staple cartridge, andwherein the distal laterally-protruding lug protrudes from a second sideof the replaceable staple cartridge.

Example 251

The system of Examples 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245,246, 247, 248, 249, or 250, wherein the replaceable staple cartridgefurther comprises a deck, wherein the channel further comprises a bottomsurface, and wherein the deck is parallel to the bottom surface when thereplaceable staple cartridge is positioned in the channel.

Example 252

A system comprising a channel comprising an obstruction, a compatiblestaple cartridge comprising a complementary anti-obstruction positionedand dimensioned to complement the obstruction when the compatible staplecartridge is received in said channel, and an incompatible staplecartridge comprising a non-complementary anti-obstruction positioned anddimensioned to interfere with the obstruction when the incompatiblestaple cartridge is received in the channel.

Example 253

The system of Example 252, wherein the compatible staple cartridge andthe incompatible staple cartridge comprise rows of staples of the samelength.

Example 254

The system of Examples 252 or 253, wherein the compatible staplecartridge and the incompatible staple cartridge comprise the samequantity of staples.

Example 255

The system of Examples 252, 253, or 254, wherein the obstruction furthercomprises a cutout comprising a depression and a projection.

Example 256

A system comprising a compatible staple cartridge comprising a firstquantity of staples, an incompatible staple cartridge comprising thefirst quantity of staples, and a channel comprising means for permittingcomplete insertion of the compatible staple cartridge and for preventingthe incompatible staple cartridge from being completely inserted intothe channel.

Example 257

A system comprising an end effector configured to receive a compatiblereplaceable staple cartridge, wherein the end effector comprises a firstouter surface, and wherein a classifying identification of the endeffector is inscribed on the first outer surface, and the compatiblereplaceable staple cartridge comprising a second outer surface, whereina classifying identification of the compatible replaceable staplecartridge is inscribed on the second outer surface, and wherein theclassifying identification of the compatible replaceable staplecartridge corresponds to the classifying identification of the endeffector.

Example 258

The system of Example 257, wherein the system further comprises anincompatible replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the incompatiblereplaceable staple cartridge comprises a third outer surface, wherein aclassifying identification of the incompatible replaceable staplecartridge is positioned on the third outer surface, and wherein theclassifying identification of the compatible replaceable staplecartridge is different than the classifying identification of the endeffector.

Example 259

The system of Examples 257 or 258, wherein the end effector furthercomprises a distal portion, and wherein the classifying identificationof the end effector is positioned on the distal portion.

Example 260

The system of Example 259, wherein the end effector further comprises ananvil, and wherein the classifying identification of the end effector ispositioned at a distal end of the anvil.

Example 261

The system of Examples 257, 258, 259, or 260, wherein the end effectorfurther comprises an anvil comprising a pair of tissue stops, andwherein a secondary classifying identification of the end effector ispositioned on each of the tissue stops.

Example 262

The system of Examples 257, 258, 259, 260, or 261, wherein thecompatible replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a wedge-shapeddistal nose, and wherein the classifying identification of thecompatible replaceable staple cartridge is positioned on thewedge-shaped distal nose.

Example 263

The system of Examples 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, or 262, wherein theclassifying identification of the end effector and the classifyingidentification of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprisethe same alphanumeric characters.

Example 264

The system of Example 263, wherein the same alphanumeric charactersindicates a length of a resultant staple line fired from the compatiblereplaceable staple cartridge.

Example 265

The system of Example 264, wherein the same alphanumeric characterindicates a type of end effector.

Example 266

The system of Examples 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, or 265,wherein the classifying identification of the end effector and theclassifying identification of the compatible replaceable staplecartridge comprise the same shape.

Example 267

The system of Examples 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, or266, wherein the classifying identification of the end effector and theclassifying identification of the compatible replaceable staplecartridge comprise the same color.

Example 268

The system of Examples 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266,or 267, wherein the system further comprises a lockout configured toprevent at least one surgical function unless the compatible replaceablestaple cartridge is positioned in the end effector.

Example 269

A system comprising an end effector configured to receive a compatiblereplaceable staple cartridge, wherein the end effector comprises a firstdistal end comprising a cartridge compatibility indicator and thecompatible replaceable staple cartridge comprising a plurality ofstaples, wherein the compatible replaceable staple cartridge comprises asecond distal end comprising an end effector compatibility indicator.

Example 270

The system of Example 269, wherein the cartridge compatibility indicatoris embossed on an outer surface of the end effector.

Example 271

The system of Example 270, wherein the end effector compatibilityindicator is embossed on an outer surface of the compatible replaceablestaple cartridge.

Example 272

The system of Examples 269, 270, or 271, wherein the cartridgecompatibility indicator longitudinally overlaps the end effectorcompatibility indicator when the compatible replaceable staple cartridgeis positioned in the end effector.

Example 273

A system comprising an end effector configured to receive a compatiblereplaceable staple cartridge, wherein the end effector comprises a firstouter surface comprising a first code and the compatible replaceablestaple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples and a second outersurface, wherein the second outer surface comprises a second code, andwherein the second code matches the first code.

Example 274

The system of Example 273, wherein the first code is embossed on thefirst outer surface, and wherein the second code is embossed on thesecond outer surface.

Example 275

The system of Examples 273 or 274, wherein the first code and the secondcode indicate a length of the compatible replaceable staple cartridge.

Example 276

The system of Examples 273, 274, or 275, wherein the first code and thesecond code include at least one number and at least one letter.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivatedby an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems describedherein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances,the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by amanually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or toolassemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgicalinstrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719,for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrumentsystem in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE,    which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT    HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on    Feb. 21, 2006;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND    FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on    Sep. 9, 2008;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which    issued on Dec. 16, 2008;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN    ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,    which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;-   U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE    FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No.    7,845,537;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL    CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb.    14, 2008;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS    FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008,    now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN    SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED    SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE    FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN    SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL    CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.    8,561,870;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,    now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15,    2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled    SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER    LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled    SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR,    filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby    incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristicsmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus,the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated ordescribed in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole orin part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one oremore other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials aredisclosed for certain components, other materials may be used.Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may bereplaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replacedby a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Theforegoing description and following claims are intended to cover allsuch modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical tool assembly, comprising: an elongateshaft assembly defining a shaft axis; a surgical end effector movablycoupled to said elongate shaft assembly by a distal support link that ispivotally coupled to said surgical end effector to define anarticulation axis that is transverse to said shaft axis, wherein saiddistal support link is axially aligned with said shaft axis when saidsurgical end effector is in a first unarticulated position, and whereinsaid distal support link is pivotally and axially movably coupled tosaid elongate shaft assembly for axial movement relative thereto alongsaid shaft axis to enable said surgical end effector to be articulatedrelative to said elongate shaft assembly about said articulation axisbetween said first unarticulated position wherein said surgical endeffector is aligned with said elongate shaft assembly along said shaftaxis and articulated positions located on one side of said shaft axis;and a distal articulation member pivotally coupled to said surgical endeffector and configured to axially move on said one side of said shaftaxis in response to articulation motions applied thereto by a source ofsaid articulation motions to thereby articulate said end effectorbetween said first unarticulated position and said articulatedpositions.
 2. The surgical tool assembly of claim 1, wherein said distalsupport link comprises: a distal end pivotally coupled to said surgicalend effector for pivotal travel about said articulation axis; and aproximal end comprising a proximal axial slot configured to receive acorresponding articulation pin therein that is attached to a distal endof said elongate shaft assembly.
 3. The surgical tool assembly of claim1, further comprising: a proximal articulation member operablyinterfacing with said source of articulation motions; and anarticulation lock assembly operably coupled to said proximalarticulation member and a proximal end of said distal articulationmember to selectively lock said distal articulation member in an axialposition.
 4. The surgical tool assembly of claim 3, wherein saidproximal end of said distal articulation member is pivotally coupled tosaid articulation lock assembly.
 5. The surgical tool assembly of claim1, wherein said distal support link is pivotally and axially movablycoupled to a distal spine member of said elongate shaft assembly.
 6. Thesurgical tool assembly of claim 1, wherein said surgical end effectorcomprises: an elongate channel configured to operably support a surgicalstaple cartridge therein; and an anvil movably supported on saidelongate channel for selective movement relative thereto between an openposition and closed positions.
 7. The surgical tool assembly of claim 6,wherein said elongate channel is pivotally coupled to said distalsupport link by an end effector mounting assembly coupled to saidelongate channel.
 8. The surgical tool assembly of claim 1, wherein saiddistal articulation member is configured to axially move in first andsecond axial directions such that when said distal articulation memberis moved in said first axial direction, said surgical end effector isarticulated in a first articulation direction from said firstunarticulated position to any one of said articulation positions andwhen said distal articulation member is axially moved in said secondaxial direction, said surgical end effector is moved in a secondarticulation direction from said any one of said articulation positionsto said first unarticulated position.
 9. The surgical tool assembly ofclaim 8, further comprising means for preventing movement of saidsurgical end effector in said second articulation direction beyond saidfirst unarticulated position when said distal articulation member ismoved in said second axial direction.
 10. A surgical tool assembly,comprising: an elongate shaft assembly defining a shaft axis; a surgicalend effector, comprising: an elongate channel configured to operablysupport a surgical staple cartridge therein; and an anvil supported formovable travel relative to said surgical staple cartridge, wherein saidsurgical tool assembly further comprises: a distal support link axiallyaligned on said shaft axis and pivotally coupled to said elongatechannel to define an articulation axis that is transverse to said shaftaxis, wherein said elongate channel may articulate relative to theelongate shaft assembly about said articulation axis, wherein saiddistal support link is attached to a distal end of said elongate shaftassembly for axial and pivotal travel relative thereto along said shaftaxis; and a distal articulation member supported for axial travel on oneside of said shaft axis, wherein said distal articulation member ispivotally coupled to said elongate channel and operably interfaces witha source of articulation motions.
 11. The surgical tool assembly ofclaim 10, wherein a proximal end of said distal support link comprises aproximal axial slot that is configured to receive a correspondingarticulation pin therein that is attached to said distal end of saidelongate shaft assembly.
 12. The surgical tool assembly of claim 10,further comprising: a proximal articulation member operably interfacingwith said source of articulation motions; and an articulation lockassembly operably coupled to said proximal articulation member and aproximal end of said distal articulation member to selectively lock saiddistal articulation member in an axial position.
 13. The surgical toolassembly of claim 12, wherein said proximal end of said distalarticulation member is pivotally coupled to said articulation lockassembly.
 14. The surgical tool assembly of claim 10, wherein saiddistal support link is pivotally and axially movably coupled to a distalspine member of said elongate shaft assembly.
 15. The surgical toolassembly of claim 10, wherein said distal articulation member isconfigured to move in first and second axial directions such that whensaid distal articulation member is moved in said first axial direction,said surgical end effector is articulated in a first articulationdirection from a first unarticulated position to an articulationposition relative to said shaft axis and when said distal articulationmember is moved in said second axial direction, said surgical endeffector is moved in a second articulation direction from saidarticulation position to said first unarticulated position.
 16. Thesurgical tool assembly of claim 15, further comprising means forpreventing movement of said surgical end effector in said secondarticulation direction beyond said first unarticulated position whensaid distal articulation member is moved in said second axial direction.